Fear Less

70. "I Hate the Way I Look": Addressing Anxiety and Body Image Issues


Listen Later

In this compelling episode Zack is joined once again by clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia to explore body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)—a deeply misunderstood and often overlooked condition, especially in adolescent boys and young men. Dr. Olivardia, co-author of The Adonis Complex, shares his decades of clinical and research experience in working with individuals who struggle with distorted body image, anxiety, and co-occurring disorders like OCD and depression. He breaks down how BDD presents, the dangerous cultural messages that fuel it, and why it often goes undiagnosed in young men.

For parents of teens grappling with anxiety, appearance preoccupations, or seeking cosmetic procedures as a solution, this episode offers both a clinical roadmap and emotional insight. Dr. Olivardia discusses the risks of cosmetic surgeries, treatment options including ERP and SSRIs, and the importance of challenging rigid appearance-based beliefs. He emphasizes that recovery is possible—with the right support, education, and structured treatment. If you're a parent looking for hope and direction for your teen dealing with body image anxiety, this episode is a must-listen.

Zack's Hack- In this episode Zack shares an inspiring quote from Henry Ford.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Fear LessBy Zack Schafer

  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4

4.4

16 ratings


More shows like Fear Less

View all
Serial by Serial Productions & The New York Times

Serial

75,249 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

31,983 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,779 Listeners

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti by WBUR

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

3,984 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,710 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,022 Listeners

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

14,898 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,349 Listeners

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry by Lynn Lyons LICSW, Robin Hutson

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry

464 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,147 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,511 Listeners