Perspectives on Body Image

This week, we’re diving into a subject that affects nearly all of us—quietly, profoundly, and often painfully: body image.Whether we talk about it openly or carry it silently, our relationships with our bodies are deeply personal—and often shaped by forces far beyond our control. From social media and advertising to peer pressure, gender norms, and even medical systems, the way we come to see ourselves is influenced from every direction.And for many—especially young people—those messages are doing real harm.We’re joined by two incredible guests who bring not just deep professional expertise, but also lived experience and heartfelt insight into what it really means to live in a body that’s constantly scrutinized—and how we can heal.Together, we explore:* The role of media, gender and family in shaping self-worth* How shame and appearance-based judgment are embedded in everyday life and how limiting beliefs can really do us damage* What recovery and healing can look like—and how we can build more compassionate culturesJenny bravely shares her own experience of living with anorexia—how it shaped her physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and how those effects still linger. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible (rarely simple), but that real healing comes from being heard, understood, and supported.But this episode isn’t just for those struggling with body image or eating disorders.It’s for everyone.Because body image isn’t just a “personal problem.”It’s a social, cultural, and public health issue.It’s about who gets to feel at home in their body—and who doesn’t.Isn’t it time we changed the narrative?To let go of shame, comparison, and the impossible standards we’ve inherited? To start seeing ourselves and each other with more compassion and curiosity? To finally value our original, unfiltered, unedited worth—the kind that can’t be sold, scaled, or measured?This episode is an invitation:To consider what we believe about ourselves and one another.To listen with empathy.To stand beside one another.To imagine a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and truly at home in their own skin.We hope you’ll join us.Meet Our Guests:Thomas Midgley – Psychotherapist, Eating Disorder Specialist Dietitian, and Founding Director of the Body Image Treatment Clinic on Harley Street, London. Jenny Tomei - Eating Disorder Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, Personal Trainer, and founder of JenUp, a nonprofit dedicated to early intervention and education around eating disorders. Get full access to The Informed Perspective at theinformedperspective.substack.com/subscribe