A few years ago, as part of my award-winning PhD research, I spoke with 45 senior executives working in fashion, beauty, or advertising to learn how they saw their industry’s role in addressing negative body image. I wanted to understand the opportunities, challenges, and barriers they experienced (or perceived) in instigating positive action on the topic of body image – both at an individual and company level. This article shares some selected insights.

What would happen if we encouraged women to reflect on what their body can do, rather than on how their body looks? That is, what if we asked women to appreciate their body functionality? Our research has shown that focusing on one’s own body functionality can contribute to improvements in body image, potentially by helping to counteract societal and internalised pressures to emphasise one’s appearance.

EVERYBODY provides progressive purpose-driven brands, businesses and organisations with access to a global team of world-renowned social scientists, thought leaders, and academic consultants specialising in body image, appearance diversity, and mental health.