Yes, indeed. Excellent point. Women can’t win–criticizing their bodies for whatever shape or size they are is a great way to attack women for daring to make their own decisions about food, exercise, and appearance.

I think you’re right, too, that becoming more athletic is a good strategy for encouraging people to have a healthier relationship with food and with their bodies. (With the exceptions perhaps of ballet and figure skating!) That’s another great suggestion for Alex.

I wasted way too much time fretting over my body. It was only when I got into distance running in my early 30s that my attitude changed, and I started to truly value my body for what it could do instead of what it looked like. Running my first half-marathon was an incredibly empowering experience (even if I was dead slow!).

I think you can also question her directly about why she thinks looks are so important. They feel that way at 17, but you may plant some seeds that encourage her to think about using her time now to help put herself where she wants to be at 20, 24, or somewhere else down the line. You are her older brother, so presumably you have a little bit more wisdom and experience to offer her from your perspective, right?

Love that Rick Springfield head shot–I used to watch him on General Hospital. Who’s the guy in the photo underneath? I’ll send a special prize to anyone who gets the right answer. (Could it be Anthony Edwards? But no–he was in Fast Times, too!)