by University of South Australia

Credit: Andres Ayrton from Pexels

Ask a woman if she is happy with her body and most will say no. Body dissatisfaction is not new, and can lead to more serious conditions such as eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder if not addressed early.

Fortunately, modern technology is helping to improve women's body image.

University of South Australia researchers have conducted a meta-analytic review of 19 studies that tested the effects of digital body image interventions—self-help online tools available via smartphone apps and websites. The paper is published in the journal Body Image.

Through these digital devices, individuals can read, watch or listen to structured modules that aim to reduce body dissatisfaction.

And there is clear evidence of their effectiveness, according to lead researcher UniSA Ph.D. candidate Lauren Conboy.

"Digital body image interventions show small to medium effect sizes in improving women's body satisfaction after completing self-guided online modules, ranging from one hour up to eight weeks," Conboy says.

Digital interventions can be accessed at a time and place that suits the individual, at their own pace. The studies also reported that women often maintained positive effects long after the digital intervention—in some cases up to four years.

"They may provide relief to women who otherwise may not be able to receive conventional psychotherapy due to high costs and long wait times, along with the shame and stigma that is often associated with face-to-face treatment.

"Although many women experience body dissatisfaction, there can be limited accessibility to treatment options that prevent these thoughts from escalating into more serious conditions, such as depression, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders" Conboy says.

The Federal Government recently announced that digital interventions would be trialed in 2026 for people with low-risk depression and anxiety.

To help mitigate body image concerns in an era where social media preys on women's insecurities, the UniSA researchers are calling on the Federal Government to also trial digital body image interventions in the 2026 digital health roll out.

Conboy says a similar trial for women reporting body dissatisfaction should be considered, given the risk of it developing into more serious conditions if left untreated.

"Eating disorders in particular are serious and sometimes fatal illnesses. Individuals with eating disorders often have an excessive preoccupation with weight, body shape, and food that causes them high levels of stress.

"Future research that involves women with lived experience in the creation of digital programs will be important, especially in reducing dropout rate due to struggles with motivation."

More information: Lauren Conboy et al, Digital body image interventions for adult women: A meta-analytic review, Body Image (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101776

Provided by University of South Australia