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Introduction
Fitness pursuits can bring various benefits. However, within the modern fitness industry there is a complex interplay of body image ideals, societal pressures, and disordered eating behaviors.
Research continues to illuminate how certain practices and messaging within the industry—such as the overvaluation of leanness or the impact of social media personas—can fuel body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
For fitness coaches and enthusiasts alike, this raises important questions:
- What defines success in fitness?
- How can individuals engage in training and nutrition without falling into harmful traps?
- And how can professionals align their practices with values that support long-term well-being for themselves and their clients?
In this episode, Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology, explores these questions in depth. Drawing on her academic work and personal experiences, she discusses the implications of fitness industry norms, the challenges of online coaching, and practical steps for fostering healthier relationships with food and body image.
Related resources
- Join the Sigma newsletter for free
- Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
- Michelle’s website
- Michelle on Instagram: @michellecarroll1
- Disordered Eating Informed – Course
- [01:15]Defining disordered eating and body image
- [03:47]Motivations behind this research
- [05:37]Impact of the fitness industry on body image
- [08:29]Challenges and misconceptions about body image
- [14:26]Physical capital and pressures on fitness professionals
- [18:20]Consequences of harmful fitness industry messaging
- [35:04]Positive changes and gaps for future research
- [40:16]Practical advice for professionals and individuals
Guest Information
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Her research focuses on disordered eating and body image concerns amongst fitness professionals.
Michelle has a Masters degree (MSc.) in Sport & Exercise Nutrition and an undergraduate degree in Radiography.
Before moving into nutrition and fitness, Michelle worked as a radiographer in two of Dublin’s busiest academic teaching hospitals, specialising in Nuclear Medicine and Cardiac Catheterisation screening.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
Fitness pursuits can bring various benefits. However, within the modern fitness industry there is a complex interplay of body image ideals, societal pressures, and disordered eating behaviors.
Research continues to illuminate how certain practices and messaging within the industry—such as the overvaluation of leanness or the impact of social media personas—can fuel body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
For fitness coaches and enthusiasts alike, this raises important questions:
- What defines success in fitness?
- How can individuals engage in training and nutrition without falling into harmful traps?
- And how can professionals align their practices with values that support long-term well-being for themselves and their clients?
In this episode, Michelle Carroll, a PhD researcher in clinical psychology, explores these questions in depth. Drawing on her academic work and personal experiences, she discusses the implications of fitness industry norms, the challenges of online coaching, and practical steps for fostering healthier relationships with food and body image.
Useful Terminology for this Episode
| Key Terms & Acronyms |
| Relationship with Food: Refers to the dynamic interaction between an individual and their eating habits, encompassing emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects.
Relationship with the Body: Describes an individual’s perceptions, attitudes, and feelings toward their physical self, including both appearance and functionality. Body Image: A multifaceted construct involving oneʼs thoughts, feelings, and perceptions regarding their bodyʼs size, shape, and appearance. It can be positive, fostering confidence and health, or negative, leading to dissatisfaction and mental health challenges. Disordered Eating: A spectrum of irregular eating behaviors that do not meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder but can still negatively impact physical and mental health. Weight Stigma: The discrimination, bias, or negative attitudes directed toward individuals based on their body weight. It is associated with negative physical and psychological outcomes, such as avoidance of medical care and increased stress. Body Composition: Refers to the proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and other tissues that make up a personʼs body. It is commonly assessed in fitness and medical contexts to evaluate health and monitor progress. |
