[Promoting a positive body image in young people.]

Positive body image is a recent concept that includes several facets, such as the acceptance of one’s body and the ability to take care of it with safe, nurturing methods. The purpose of this article is to explain this concept and its importance, and to review prevention and health promotion interventions that might be effective for its development.

We conducted a narrative review, including the latest publications that summarize the concept’s usefulness and the effectiveness of prevention programs that may contribute to the development of positive body image in youth.

The development of a positive body image is proposed as a key factor that would allow integrated prevention of the entire spectrum of weight and eating issues in young people, as well as other problems such as depression. Three approaches used for prevention interventions developed primarily to target body dissatisfaction as a risk factor might promote certain aspects of positive body image. It would be advisable to adopt a universal and ecological prevention approach, in order to standardize the messages received throughout the social environment regarding healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and respect for the diversity of weight, shape, and beauty.

This review highlights the importance of positive body image for public health, as well as the various preventive interventions that have proven effective for youth and young adults, so that future developments can build on what has already been performed.