Fitness pursuits can bring various benefits. However, within the modern fitness industry there is a complex interplay of body image ideals, societal pressures, and disordered eating behaviors.
Research continues to illuminate how certain practices and messaging within the industry—such as the overvaluation of leanness or the impact of social media personas—can fuel body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
For fitness coaches and enthusiasts alike, this raises important questions:
In this episode, Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology, explores these questions in depth. Drawing on her academic work and personal experiences, she discusses the implications of fitness industry norms, the challenges of online coaching, and practical steps for fostering healthier relationships with food and body image.