Last week, I heard a story that deeply troubled me. A child, not yet ten years old, was subjected to body-shaming comments by an adult. This individual, perhaps well-meaning, remarked that the youngster's body composition was not suited for a particular sport. The immediate and devastating impact was a sharp decline in the child's self-esteem, leading to immediately wanting to change her already very balanced eating habits.

Such incidents highlight the pervasive issue of body shaming, which can have profound and long-lasting consequences, especially for children. When we make negative comments about a person's appearance, whether it’s an adult or child, we are not merely offering constructive criticism; we are inflicting emotional wounds that can take years to heal. Children are particularly vulnerable to such remarks, as they are still developing their sense of self-worth. Body shaming can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

It is crucial to foster a positive body image in children. This involves teaching them to appreciate their bodies in any shape or size, for what they can do, not just how they look. We should encourage them to engage in physical activity for fun and health, not for weight loss or appearance. It's essential to model positive body image ourselves. By speaking kindly about our own bodies and avoiding negative self-talk, we can help children develop a healthy relationship with their own.

Instead of focusing on physical appearance, we should emphasise the importance of inner qualities, such as kindness, empathy and intelligence. By celebrating diversity and individuality, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Let's commit to using our words to uplift and empower, rather than to tear down. By choosing our words carefully and promoting body positivity, we can help to protect our children from the harmful effects of body shaming.

Protect our children & B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience