Body Image & Disordered Eating

New BYU research finds LDS doctrine, modesty teachings, and church culture strongly shape body image, and drive Utah's outsized cosmetic surgery rates.

BYU research shows LDS modesty teachings boost body esteem when taught as principles, but strict dress-code rules increase shame and self-objectification.

In this personal reflection, licensed therapist Dr. Lauren Barnes shares how her mother's example counteracted cultural pressure around beauty, weight, and appearance during her own childhood. Drawing on her mother's confidence, encouragement, and open conversations about body image, Barnes offers 12 practical tips to help parents raise daughters with a healthy, resilient sense of self-worth that goes beyond appearance, body image, and beauty standards absorbed from media and