FAQS
FAQS
If we help people feel good about their bodies, does that mean they won’t be healthy any more?
The Short Answer is NO. For a long time, there has been a misconception that we should make people, or make ourselves feel bad about our weight in order to motivate us to engage in health behaviour. The science is showing that this isn’t working. People think that if we appreciate our bodies, accept, and trust them, we would all stop eating well and exercising, and gain a lot of weight. However, the science is now showing that when we appreciate our bodies, we look after them more- by eating fruit and vegetables, and moving our bodies. Research has shown that people with more positive body image even wear sunscreen and engage in preventative cancer screening more often. It’s time we realised that shame doesn’t help people ‘be healthy’, it means that they avoid health care, experience poor quality of life, and gain weight over time, not lose it.
Feeling shame around our bodies hasn’t helped us to be healthy. It doesn’t motivate positive behaviour change. If we want people to be healthy, we need to focus on encouraging and facilitating health behaviours- not create shame around weight.
What do I do if I am worried about my own body image and eating or exercise behaviours?
If you are worried, we suggest you talk to someone. The Butterfly Foundation Help Hub offers a range of advice and articles, and if you are in Australia, you can call the hotline on 1800 33 4673, email the Helpline, or use KIT to chat on the website. This service is available to everyone- not matter what stage you are at, and whether you are calling for yourself, to help a friend, or a young person you care for. The experienced professionals on the other end of the phone will ask you questions, and direct you through to resources that can help you.
There is no right way to seek help- We strongly recommend that you open up to anyone you feel comfortable with – whether that is a friend, sibling, parent, carer, teacher, or other trusted adult. Talking to someone is better than talking to no one!
Can someone at the Embrace Hub help me with my body image concerns?
Our aim is to provide information that supports people to Embrace their bodies, and encourage you to take action, but we do not provide individual help. If you would like additional support, we suggest that you call the Butterfly Foundation helpline on 1800 33 4673, email the Helpline, or use webchat.
How do I help someone who is struggling with their body image?
There are lots of warning signs that you can look out for in terms of the things that people are saying or what they are doing that might indicate that there is an issue that would benefit from support. One of the best things that can happen to improve outcomes for young people, is for loved ones to notice, and ask about how they are feeling. It is worth you asking questions, and talking to them. Visit the professional help and support page for more details.
What age is the Embrace Kids film suitable for?
The Embrace Kids film was designed to meet the needs of children and young people aged 9-14 years. The film is rated G for a general audience. All kids develop at different rates, and you know your young people best, but these ages are provided as a guide. The film is aimed at young people who have become aware that there are certain pressures on them to look a certain way, but have not developed issues or concerns. The Embrace Kids film might support young people who have existing issues or concerns, but is not designed to treat any psychological condition. There is some depiction of social media images in the film that younger viewers might not have seen. This was kept to a minimum, and provided alongside media literacy education as indicated by the research in this area.
Can you help me with my personal health and medical questions?
We cannot answer individual health or medical questions. If you require medical help and support please visit the Professional Help and Support page or contact your GP or health care provider.
Can the Embrace Hub experts respond to questions for a school project?
Unfortunately, the Embrace Hub team are not available for interviews for high school projects, but you are welcome to use our website and reference it for research purposes. All references to research reported in blog articles have references embedded to support your learning in this area.
Where can I access the Embrace Kids Book for Parents?
Embrace Kids is a new book from powerhouse body image activist, Taryn Brumfitt, and Body Image Expert, Dr Zali Yager. Embrace Kids is in stores from August 2, 2022, and should be available wherever you buy good books- in Big W, or online at Booktopia. If you want to do your bit in creating change, you are welcome to ask or suggest that your local independent bookstore stocks Embrace Kids!
Taryn and Zali recorded an audiobook version of Embrace Kids available on Audible, Apple Books, Kobo, Google, as well as audiobooks.com.
Libraries should have access through Bolinda, Overdrive and Findaway. If your library doesn’t have a copy, you can suggest that they order one!
Will the Embrace Kids film and Embrace Kids book be available outside of Australia?
We would love for the Embrace Kids film and book to be available in every language, in every country, but it’s not up to us! We are trying to get this out far and wide, but it’s in the hands of the distributors and publishers.
The audiobook will be available internationally, in English through the audiobook version of Embrace Kids available on Audible, Apple Books, Kobo, Google, as well as audiobooks.com.
Are you able to translate the Embrace Kids film and Embrace Kids book?
We would love for the Embrace Kids film and book to be available in every language, in every country, but it’s not up to us! We are trying to get this out far and wide, but it’s in the hands of the distributors and publishers.
How can I contribute to the Embrace Hub?
The Embrace Collective is a beautiful coming together of many powerful voices and experiences in this space. If you would like to write a blog piece for the Embrace Hub, please email us with your pitch for a blog at hello@theembracehub.com.
I have another question - who can I ask?
Please email hello@theembracehub.com with your question.
