CALLING ALL EDUCATORS, School Administrators & Board MEMBERS, AND PARENTS

Are you concerned about the mental health and self-image challenges facing today's middle school students?

Your Body, Your Story is a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum designed to address the growing crisis in adolescent body image, social comparison, and self-confidence.

Developed by a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with extensive experience in K-12 nutrition and young adult mental health counseling, this program provides educators with practical tools to foster resilience and positive self-image in students ages 11-14.

THE ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Middle schoolers today face unprecedented challenges:

• 53% of girls are dissatisfied with their bodies by age 13

• Social media use correlates with increased anxiety and depression

• Comparison culture has intensified with digital connectivity

• Eating disorders are being diagnosed at younger ages than ever before

Our curriculum takes a prevention-focused approach, equipping students with skills before negative patterns become entrenched.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND PREVENTION

Research consistently demonstrates that early intervention is both more effective and cost-efficient than treatment approaches:

• Critical Developmental Window: Studies show that body image concerns typically emerge between ages 11-14, making middle school the ideal time for prevention (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2019).

• Neuroplasticity Advantage: The adolescent brain exhibits heightened neuroplasticity, making it more receptive to developing new thought patterns and emotional regulation skills (Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 2021).

• Peer Influence Research: A 5-year longitudinal study found that positive peer norms established in middle school can reduce eating disorder risk behaviors by up to 61% (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2020).

• Mindfulness Efficacy: Meta-analysis of 42 studies shows that mindfulness-based interventions in school settings decrease anxiety and depression symptoms by 35-40% while improving emotional regulation (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2022).

• Economic Impact: Prevention programs targeting body image and eating concerns show a positive cost-benefit ratio of 1:7 – for every dollar invested in prevention, approximately $7 are saved in future treatment costs (American Journal of Public Health, 2021).

• School-Based Advantage: Research indicates that skills-based interventions delivered in classroom settings show greater effectiveness than those delivered in clinical settings for this age group (School Psychology Review, 2020).

• Long-Term Outcomes: A 3-year follow-up study found that middle schoolers who received body image prevention programming showed sustained improvements in self-esteem and reduced disordered eating behaviors compared to control groups (Prevention Science, 2022).

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

Format: 10-12 classroom sessions (45 minutes each)

Core Topics:

• Understanding social comparison and its effects

• Developing media literacy skills

• Building present moment awareness

• Managing negative thoughts and comparisons

• Creating supportive peer environments

• Reducing judgment and gossip

• Cultivating authentic self-confidence

What Sets Your Body, Your Story Apart:

• Evidence-based strategies adapted for middle school comprehension

• Interactive, engaging activities rather than lecture-based instruction

• Practical skills students can implement immediately

• Inclusive approach that benefits all genders and backgrounds

• Comprehensive teacher resources with minimal prep time required

ALIGNS WITH EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

This curriculum supports multiple educational priorities:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards: Directly addresses self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making competencies.

• Whole Child Approach: Supports mental health as a foundation for academic success.

• Health Education Goals: Complements health education objectives related to mental and emotional health, though schools should review alignment with specific state standards.

• Mental Health Initiatives: Helps schools address mental wellness education increasingly emphasized in educational settings.

• Bullying Prevention: Addresses underlying causes of appearance-based bullying through empathy development and community building.

COMPLETE PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Detailed teacher implementation guides with timed lesson flows

• Student workbooks with interactive activities and reflections

• 48 journal prompts for continued growth outside the classroom

• In-classroom response protocols for handling difficult topics

• Assessment tools and outcome measures

• Customizable grading rubric for group projects

• Options for both 5-week and 6-week implementation

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

This curriculum is currently in final development stages by Carly Marenna, MHA, RDN, with

an extensive background in:

• K-12 school nutrition programming

• Adolescent mental health counseling

• Eating disorder prevention

• Evidence-based intervention strategies

Early access opportunities available! Be among the first schools to implement

this groundbreaking program in SY 2025-2026.

LEARN MORE

Call or email Carly directly OR fill out the inquiry form on this page

to be contacted for details on:

• Requesting a curriculum overview

• Joining our pilot program

• Scheduling a consultation

• Receiving pricing information