The Social Media Body Image Trap - Rich Dorment

Jul 28, 2025

Rich Dorment, Editor-in-chief of Men's Health and creator of 'Generation Flex', sheds light on how social media distorts body image for today’s youth. The discussion reveals alarming trends in disordered eating and the unique pressures boys face in the fitness culture. Dorment emphasizes the importance of proactive parenting, offering practical strategies for engaging children about nutrition and mental health. He advocates for open dialogues that nurture self-worth, helping parents combat the negative impacts of curated perfection in the digital age.

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INSIGHT

Social Media's Body Image Impact

Kids today are bombarded nonstop with idealized body images via social media, not just magazines like in the past.
This overwhelming exposure distorts their self-image and mental health significantly more than previous generations.

INSIGHT

Eating Disorders Rising in Boys

Boys aged 12 to 14 now show the largest increase in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations.
Eating disorders in boys were historically underdiagnosed due to criteria centered on female biology.

ADVICE

Warning Signs of Disordered Eating

Watch for obsessive behaviors around food, like constant protein counting or compulsive eating to gain muscle.
These are warning signs of an unhealthy relationship with food and potential disordered eating.

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Have you ever asked yourself:

Am I really aware of how much social media and online content is influencing my kids?
Have I noticed my kids becoming overly focused on their physical appearance or diet?
How do I handle conversations about nutrition and fitness at home?

If you’ve noticed your son obsessing over his physique or protein intake, or your daughter silently struggling with self-worth because of what she sees online, this episode is for you. Larry and Rich dive deep into how today’s digital landscape is distorting kids’ perceptions of themselves, driving issues like body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and unhealthy relationships with food and fitness—affecting boys and girls earlier than ever before.

You’ll hear real talk on what warning signs to watch out for, how to foster healthy conversations about food and body image, and the steps you can take to protect your kids from the relentless pressures of curated perfection online. Plus, learn practical strategies for monitoring your child’s digital world and discover why it’s crucial to model resilience, open dialogue, and authentic self-worth in your home.

Whether you’re a dad, coach, or mentor, this episode is your wake-up call and toolbox—because the world is changing, and as fathers, we need to step up, disrupt the status quo, and help our kids build unshakeable confidence in themselves.

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In this vital conversation, we dig into:

Why Social Media Is A Game-Changer: Unlike the occasional magazine we grew up with, today’s kids are constantly exposed to unrealistic body standards, curated feeds, and supplement ads designed to make them feel “less than.” The result? Kids (especially boys ages 12-14!) are reporting anxiety, body dysmorphia, compulsive exercising, and disordered eating at skyrocketing rates.
Spot the Warning Signs: It’s not just about undereating—obsession with protein grams, excessive workouts, and constant flexing in the mirror can all point to an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.
Smart Conversations, Not Confrontations: The episode shares actionable tips to open up dialogue with your kids. Watch "Generation Flex" together, use it as a springboard for honest conversation, and focus on how food and fitness make us feel—not just how we look.
Model Healthy Habits: As dads, it’s not about being perfect—it's about showing our kids that food isn’t “good” or “bad,” and that balance is key (yes, you can have that burger and a salad).
Digital Safety for Peace of Mind: Larry also highlights tools like Bark, which alert you to concerning activity on your kids’ devices—so you’re not left in the dark about what they’re seeing online.

If you care about raising healthy, resilient sons and daughters in an always-connected world—and want to know the practical steps you can take at home—this episode is for you

Here's what research and observation highlight about

Studies show that hospitalizations for pediatric eating disorders rose by 139% from 2002 to 2018, with the largest relative increase seen in males aged 12 to 14
Boys and men now represent a third of all eating disorder diagnoses today
Nearly 100% of kids with internet access are exposed to carefully curated or unrealistic fitness/body images daily.

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https://menshealth.com

@menshealthmag

@richdorment

Read more about Men's Health's documentary "Generation Flex": https://www.menshealth.com/generationflex

Watch Generation Flex on Apple TV+:https://tv.apple.com/us/clip/generation-flex

Watch Generation Flex on Amazon Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DJCND11R