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Table 2 Summary of parent responses to the question “What does ‘body image’ mean to you”?

From: What parents know and want to learn about healthy eating and body image in preschool children: a triangulated qualitative study with parents and Early Childhood Professionals

Ideas mentioned by parents

Number of groups mentioning

Theme developed

Equates to body size/weight/appearance

7

Body image is about a child’s body size, appearance, or physical capabilities

More about what body can do (e.g., strong/energetic)

6

If child is healthy, body image shouldn’t be a problem

2

Relates BI/size to food

2

Not about looking a certain way

1

Healthy eating & phys act = looking healthy = body image

1

How child feels about self/body

7

Body image is a child’s perception and emotions related to their body

Problematic e.g., ‘demons’

3

Body Image is a problem for children

Positive & negative

1

Good body image is not expressing concern about the body

1

Girls more than boys

9

Negative body image mostly affects girls

Can affect anyone

1

Being thin increases your chance of success

2

Endorsing the thin-ideal