Body image issues are defined as negative thoughts and feelings about one’s body. In today’s world, especially with the explosion of social media, these struggles seem to be at an all-time high. In fact, 61% of teens feel negative or very negative about their body, and 70% of adolescent girls report body dissatisfaction — which is the top predictor of developing an eating disorder.
I’ll be honest: my own body image issues began around age 13, and it quickly became something I obsessed over. If you’ve been here for a while, you know that spiraled into 17 years of eating disorders.
While my body image struggles were real, the moment that tipped me into full-blown anorexia was triggered by a hurtful comment from someone I deeply trusted and thought unconditionally loved me. That moment shattered me. I felt unloved. I felt worthless. And I know I’m probably not alone.
Maybe for you, it was a parent… A coach… A teacher… A significant other… Someone you looked up to who made a comment about your appearance or your worth — and it stuck.
Body Image Issues Are Often Symptoms of a Deeper Wound
I believe that body image issues and eating disorders are often physical and mental symptoms of deeper wounds — of feeling worthless, unloved, or stuck in a comparison trap.
If only I had known then what I know now… If only I had the Bible and understood the power of putting on spiritual armor… I would have known those things weren’t true.
What Does the Bible Say About Body Image?
Here’s the truth:
God loves you. You don’t have to earn it. You can’t lose it. If you believe that Jesus is your Savior — that He died on the cross for your sins and rose again — then nothing can separate you from His love.
We can’t afford to believe the lies that Satan tells us about our worth or our bodies.
So what does the Bible actually say about body image?
There’s a lot to unpack here — and I’ll probably write more posts on this — but here are two verses that have deeply helped me when I’m struggling.
1. Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Wow. Now go back and read that again. Then again.
What part stands out to you?
“Fearfully and wonderfully made.” That’s how God designed you — with awe, honor, and great purpose. That alone is worth praising Him for.
2. 1 Samuel 16:7
“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
This verse reminds me where true value lies.
When I am having a hard body image day, I repeat these truths:
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In my own words:
God made me with honor and for great purpose, and He doesn’t place value on my appearance, but on my heart.
So What Do We Do With This Truth?
Okay — so we know that:
God loves us
He made us with purpose
He cares about our hearts more than our bodies
But… how do we actually apply this?
Here’s what I do — and it helps:
3 Practical Ways to Fight Body Image Struggles With Truth
Recognize the spiritual battle. I name it for what it is: The enemy is using this weak spot to pull me away from God.
Verbally rebuke the lies. I say out loud: “Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Replace the lie with truth. I repeat Scripture:“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” “God sees the heart.”And I pray:“Lord, help me recognize that these thoughts are not from You. Give me wisdom to accept the body You’ve given me and celebrate its purpose on this Earth.”
Final Encouragement
Friend, I know this is hard. Body image can be a real struggle — even now, as a second-time mom, I still have those days.
But I also know this:
God loves me.
He created this body for a beautiful purpose in this season.
And I’m learning to celebrate it — not just accept it — for all that it can do.
I pray you find comfort in these verses and use them throughout your day. Not just to feel better — but to grow closer to the One who made you.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are seen. You are loved
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