How 'Fitspo' Content Affects Women's Eating Disorders

Topic: Body Image

Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at 6:30 am

Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at 9:15 am

Isabella Charon knows how poor body image can harm people.

Too much 'fitspo' content online made Isabella Charon's eating disorder worse.

At 14, Isabella started modeling and felt she had to change her body.

The modeling industry had very specific body measurements that were disturbing.

In her late teens, Isabella started showing signs of an eating disorder.

Being online and seeing 'fitspo' content made Isabella's eating disorder worse.

Some creators were not eating enough and promoting exercise.

Isabella did not eat well, stayed away from friends, and did not go out.

Isabella is now recovering and using her experience to help others.

About 4% of Australians have an eating disorder.

51% of people skip meals because of how they feel about their bodies.

New data shows how common negative body talk is.

More than half of the people surveyed skipped meals because of body image issues.

84% of people find it hard to talk kindly about their own bodies.

Many people's feelings about their bodies stop them from doing things they want.

Helen Bird says the survey results show a consistent picture of body dissatisfaction.

Helen Bird says negative body talk is common among Australians.

The survey results are not surprising, but they show a problem.

Negative self-talk can be harmful and make it hard to take care of oneself.

If you feel bad about your body, it's hard to take care of yourself.

Body image is influenced by what people hear, see, and experience.

Growing up in a household with negative body talk can be harmful.

A coach praising a teammate for their body can be harmful.

Talking about food in a good or bad way can also be harmful.

Conversations about body image at school can be influential.

Everyday comments can have a big impact.

Isabella's recovery from her eating disorder was not easy.

Isabella says families should be gentle and seek help for loved ones with eating disorders.

New research shows that watching beauty content online can make young people feel bad about themselves.

Many parents do not know where to find help for their children's body image concerns.

The Butterfly Foundation has a program to help young people with body image issues.

We want people to focus on positive health behaviors.

Everyday comments and actions can seem small but are important.

Isabella is now happy and healthy.

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