Why Are Children Worrying About Their Bodies So Young?

Body image worries are starting younger. Diet culture may have changed its clothes, but it certainly hasn't gone away — it's simply rebranded as wellness, self-improvement and "health optimisation," all while our children scroll through TikTok, influencers and impossible appearance standards in real time. In this episode of Parental Control, Ellie Thompson is joined by Elle Mace, eating disorder expert, coach, author of the upcoming book Food Freedom, and someone whose own struggles with body image and disordered eating began at just 10 years old. Together, they explore the early warning signs parents may miss, how to tell the difference between normal food fussiness and something more concerning, the everyday language around food and bodies that can accidentally cause harm, and what today's obsession with wellness, weight-loss drugs, and appearance culture is doing to young minds. A thoughtful, honest and hugely important conversation for any parent raising children in a world obsessed with bodies. Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram Show notes Instagram: @iamellemace Food Freedom is available from 27th August at £14.99 via major retailers including Penguin, Amazon and Waterstones. What is My Baba? My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting. Visit mybaba.com  The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/