The Body Project
The Body Project
Evidence-Based Eating Disorder Prevention for Teens and Young Adults
The Body Project at White Pine Center for Healing is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program designed to help teens and young adults challenge harmful appearance ideals and build a healthier, more confident relationship with their bodies. Rooted in decades of research, this curriculum empowers participants to think critically about the cultural messages they receive and to practice habits that support long-term well-being. The Body Project was first developed by researchers at Stanford University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Oregon Research Institute. It has been delivered to more than 1 million young women internationally.
(Read about it’s effectiveness here)
We bring The Body Project directly into schools, youth groups, colleges, and community organizations, creating safe spaces for honest conversation, skill building, and connection.
What the Program Teaches
The Body Project helps young people:
Challenge unrealistic beauty and body standards
Reduce body dissatisfaction and appearance-related pressures
Build self-compassion and body respect
Strengthen critical thinking about media and cultural messaging
Practice actionable tools to support mental health
Reduce risk factors associated with eating disorders
Each session blends discussion, reflection, and activities that encourage students to examine the messages around them and reclaim the narrative about their own bodies.
Why It Matters
Body dissatisfaction is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of disordered eating. When young people feel pressured to conform to narrow body ideals, their confidence, mental health, and overall well-being can suffer.
The Body Project disrupts this cycle by equipping participants with the tools to:
Notice and challenge harmful messages
Build resilience against peer and social media pressures
Foster a more accepting, inclusive environment among their peers
This is proactive, upstream work– helping prevent body image struggles long before they escalate.
Who the Program Serves
The Body Project is ideal for:
Middle school, high school, and college students
Educators and school wellness teams
Youth-serving organizations
Community groups focused on mental health and prevention
Parents and caregivers seeking body-positive support for young people
We tailor the delivery to the developmental stage, needs, and culture of each group, ensuring a respectful, engaging experience for all participants.
How We Deliver the Program
White Pine Center’s trained facilitators offer The Body Project in multiple formats:
School-based workshops
Multi-session small groups
Community presentations
Professional development sessions for staff
Whether delivered in a single classroom or to an entire grade level, the program creates a foundation of acceptance, empathy, and empowerment.
Our Commitment to Prevention
At White Pine Center for Healing, we believe prevention is one of the most powerful tools in transforming the landscape of body image, mental health, and eating disorder recovery. The Body Project aligns with our mission to build a culture where every young person feels valued, supported, and confident in who they are.
When students learn to challenge harmful ideals and trust their bodies, they carry those skills into every part of their lives.
