Keep an open line of communication

From an interview with Riley Byrnes, who is an MD working at Guerin Children's Pediatrics, she gives her take on the issue of body dissatisfaction.

"Weight is a very taboo topic, and not talking about it makes it almost impossible for a child to handle things," Dr. Byrne says.

It should always be a positive conversation, she suggests.

If they say they don't like how they look or are feeling chubby, don't ignore it. Ask your child or teen why, then offer some of these solutions below.

Weight and diet are closely intertwined with mental health.

Many people excessively snack "for comfort" when anxious, stressed or depressed, such as during the early parts of the pandemic when schools sent students home and unhealthy foods were within easy reach. Others undereat when struggling psychologically.

Pay close attention when you suspect your child might be using food to suppress their emotions. Set limits—and work together to identify and address the underlying mental health cause, which could be anxiety or social isolation.

Be careful with family and social pressure

Society often pushes unrealistic, shifting beauty ideals.

"It's subconscious pressure," Dr. Byrne says.

And it's even harder in the modern world, where social media constantly fuels comparisons and can damage teens' self-esteem across all genders.

If possible, ask your teen to show or tell you what they look at on social media.

Some content promotes harmful relationships to food and weight, such as TikTok trends sharing what users eat in a day or how to cut calories or skip meals without fainting.

Also consider friends, because peers who struggle with food can influence your child's views.

Still, your child is most likely to internalize the messages they hear at home—from parents and caregivers.

"We need to reframe this toxic vocabulary and place an emphasis on doing things to improve our health, not our appearance," Dr. Byrne says.

Avoid shaming your own body. That means not talking about restricting foods or not liking the way certain clothes look on you.

Conversations about family, friends or neighbors gaining or losing weight can reinforce misconceptions about thinness being good and overweight being bad.

Weight loss shouldn't be praised as an end goal.

Consistently emphasize that your child's size doesn't define them or their value, Dr. Byrne says. What matters is who they are, their treatment of others and how they spend their days.