Ep 149: "Scrolling & Self-Esteem: Body Image in a Digital Age" with Dr. Charlotte Markey

Body image plays a critical role in shaping how we perceive ourselves, engage with others, and make lifestyle choices. But reaching a place of acceptance—or even joy—with our bodies is no small feat in today's world of social media, constantly-changing beauty standards, and rapidly evolving trends.

On this week's episode of the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Charlotte Markey, a psychologist, research scientist, and expert on body image at Rutgers University who brings nearly three decades of academic and practical experience to the table.

This episode goes beyond the usual shallow platitudes of “just love yourself” to provide evidence-based, actionable advice for improving how you see—and feel about—your body. Dr. Markey’s insights are empowering, practical, and grounded in research.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Markey dives into the nuances of body image, the difference between body positivity and body neutrality, and actionable strategies for improving how we feel in our own skin.

Together, we discuss modern influences on body image, debunk the myths surrounding body positivity, and explore the cultural messages that have shaped our perceptions of self-worth.

Whether you’re someone striving to feel more comfortable in your own body, a coach seeking evidence-based insights for clients, or simply curious about the psychology of body image, this episode has something for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What “body image” really means and why it matters
• The difference between body neutrality and body positivity
• Why “just love yourself” can feel unhelpful — and what to aim for instead
• How focusing on your body’s functionality fosters a healthier mindset
• The powerful role family, culture, and societal pressures play in shaping body image
• Practical tips for reducing body surveillance and improving self-acceptance
• How the rise of weight loss drugs is impacting body image

About Dr. Charlotte Markey:

Charlotte Markey, Ph.D., is a body image scientist, who has studied body image and eating behaviors for nearly three decades.  She is passionate about understanding how to help people have a healthy relationship with their bodies and food.  Charlotte is a psychology professor at Rutgers University and a research scientist who has published over 100 scholarly articles and chapters about health issues.  

Dr. Markey is also a book author, having most recently published The Body Image Book series (The Body Image Book for Girls in 2020; The Body Image Book for Boys in 2022, and Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life in 2024).  She also recently co-edited the 3-volume Encyclopedia of Mental Health (2023).  She writes regularly for news outlets such as Psychology Today and is often interviewed for TV, news articles, and podcasts including the NY Times, Washington Post, and NBC.

To learn more about Dr. Markey or her books, visit www.CharlotteMarkey.com or www.TheBodyImageBook.com.

Follow Dr. Markey on social media:

• Instagram: @char_markey
• Facebook: Dr. Charlotte Markey
• TikTok: @charmarkey
• Threads: @char_markey
• Substack: BODY TALK

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Markey’s Body Image series (For Girls, For Boys, For Life): www.TheBodyImageBook.com
• Substack article about the difference between body positivity and body neutrality

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Sponsor Shoutout

This episode was sponsored by our parent company, Miles To Go Athletics. Take our app-based training community for a two-week no obligation test drive here.