#540: How Can We Improve Body Image and Self-Esteem Without Physique Change? – Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD & Eric Trexler, PhD

In Podcasts by Danny LennonLeave a Comment

Listen Here:

For a full list of apps, go here. Or simply search “Sigma Nutrition” in your app of choice.
Or listen directly on the Sigma website here.

Introduction

Body image and self-worth are deeply intertwined concepts that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Many people believe that changing their physique is the key to improving their body image, but is it really that simple? This connection between appearance and self-esteem raises important questions about how we define confidence and whether our sense of worth should be tied to how we look.

Our relationship with food plays a crucial role in how we view ourselves. While some see food as fuel, others attach much more significance to their eating habits, often linking dietary choices to discipline, success, or failure. But what happens when these beliefs become too rigid? Understanding how our perceptions of food and body image are shaped is essential for navigating the balance between health, happiness, and personal fulfillment.

Physique change, often seen as a positive goal, can bring about unexpected psychological impacts. Pursuing a leaner or more muscular body might boost temporary feelings of confidence, but could it also reinforce negative patterns of thought?

In an episode co-hosted with Dr. Eric Trexler, Danny talks with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro in order to tackle some of these concepts and questions.

Guest Information

Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD

Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro is a nutrition/health coach who focuses on facilitating behavior change, embodying a positive relationship with food, cultivating positive body image, and improving sport performance.

Dr. Fundaro is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College and holds a PhD in Human Nutrition and Exercise. She is currently a board member of both the Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind (NCGM) and the Sports Nutrition Association (SNA).

Timestamps

  • [04:54] Start of conversation
  • [06:40] Defining body image and self esteem
  • [12:26] Relationship with food and weight controllability beliefs
  • [20:38] Impact of body composition on body image
  • [27:40] Challenges in changing body image perceptions
  • [34:43] Influence of coaches on client body image
  • [41:57] Screening for disordered eating
  • [51:50] Ethical responsibilities of fitness professionals
  • [54:53] Improving body image without physique change
  • [61:02] Key ideas segment (premium-only)

Premium Content

You’re currently logged-in as a Premium subscriber. Access you content below.

You are currently not signed-in as a Premium subscriber.

To view our Premium content, please to your account or subscribe to Premium.

Not a Premium subscriber? Subscribe here!

Return to top of page

Leave a Comment