As the popular ITV dating show returns to our screens for an eleventh season, one psychologist has issued a warning to viewers, particularly teenagers, about body positivity (Image: ITV)Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy Notice The eleventh series of Love Island premiered last night (Monday, June 3), with new host Maya Jama introducing a fresh group of singles ready to find romance. The show didn’t hold back on surprises, including the unexpected appearance of reality TV favourite Joey Essex. As the Islanders embark on their eight-week journey to love, viewers will be tuning in to see the ‘gorgeous’ contestants pair up. However, psychologist Dr Patricia Britto has issued a cautionary note to teenage fans about body image. According to MirrorOnline, there’s been an uptick in young people seeking cosmetic procedures, from Botox and fillers to more drastic measures like steroids and Brazilian bum lifts (BBLs). Parents are being urged to watch for signs of insecurity or low self-esteem in their children, who may be influenced by the polished looks of reality stars and social media influencers.
Read More
Related Articles
What is Erb’s Palsy as Love Islander has villa adapted for her disability
Read More
Related Articles
Love Island star axed and has already quit the villa
Dr Britto shared her insights with MirrorOnline, stating, “Whenever the media promotes a particular type of body image, it can adversely affect anyone, particularly teenagers who are yet to develop their prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking,” she explained, reports Wales Online. “Teenagers can watch Love Island should they want to. Still, they need to be supported to understand how to manage their emotional well-being significantly if the show negatively impacts their self-esteem and confidence and they find themselves engaging in the act of comparison.” One key thing the psychologist points out is that when teenagers feel a certain pressure about their body images from things they’ve seen online, adults around them should not engage in body shaming. Dr Britto said it’s essential that language and words at home are not harmful, and urged parents to avoid using a “one-size-fits-all approach”. Instead, if they begin to notice teenagers comparing themselves, Dr Britto advised to comfort them and nurture their feelings, as well as engage in activities that can “boost their mental health”. Dr Britto added: “Teenagers are likely to benefit if adults notice that body dissatisfaction has been linked to risky behaviours such as unhealthy diet plans that lead to mental health problems.” She noted a survey conducted by social media app Be.Real found 36 per cent of teenagers agreed they would do ‘whatever it takes to look good’, while 57 per cent of teenagers considered dieting, and ten per cent even considered cosmetic surgery. ITV provides mental health support and other resources to contestants during the filming process. As of 2022, this includes giving islanders training on “the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity”. ITV has been approached for comment.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnJoey EssexMaya JamaLove IslandMental healthHealth
