Learn about body image. Know that it is OK to have good and bad body image days. Someone can have a day when they feel bad about their body, and not have an unhealthy body image.

There is also a difference between an unhealthy body image and eating disorders. They are different problems with very different treatments; one doesn’t necessarily come with the other. Listen to your friend with understanding, respect and sensitivity. Tell your friend you are concerned, that you care and would like to help. Ask your friend if he or she would like to talk to a counselor about his or her body image.

Talk about things other than food, weight and body image. Focus on other aspects of your friend’s personality, complimenting them on a good test grade or a smart response in class or what a great friend they are to you. Chances are there is a lot more to your friend than their appearance, and that’s why you like them!

Confront “fat talk” and bad body talk in a sensitive yet direct way. If your friend says mean things about his or her body, let him or her know the positive things you see in them.

And it’s important to know about some of the DON’Ts…things that don’t really help when you have friends with an unhealthy body image:

• Don’t try to solve their problems for them.
• Don’t blame them for doing something wrong or tell them they are acting silly.
• Don’t say things like, “Shut up, I would love to have your body!” This can make your friend feel like the feelings they are having aren’t valid.
• Don’t gossip about them.
• Don’t focus all your attention on looks or weight.
• Don’t make comments about a person’s appearance.
• Be open; talk with them, tell them what you think and feel.
• Don’t reject or ignore them or the issues.
• Don’t ignore their body preoccupation. Let them know that you notice how often they talk about their body image and that it concerns you.