More Than a Body: Why Body-Image Resilience Belongs in ED Care
Body Image · 2025-12-09
An introduction to body-image resilience — the framework from Dr. Lexie Kite, the 2027 Nura keynote — and why "your body is good, regardless of how it looks" is a clinical tool, not just a slogan.
The short answer
Body-image resilience is the idea that positive body image is not believing your body looks good — it is knowing your body is good, regardless of how it looks. Developed by Drs. Lexie and Lindsay Kite (co-authors of More Than a Body), it reframes body image as a repeatable skill: noticing body-shame triggers and responding in ways that reconnect you to your body and your larger sense of self. Dr. Lexie Kite is the 2027 Nura Conference keynote.
Why it matters in eating-disorder treatment
Body positivity and body neutrality can feel out of reach for clients in a culture that constantly objectifies bodies. Resilience is different: it does not require loving your reflection, only building a practice for the moments shame shows up. For clinicians treating eating disorders, that gives clients something to do rather than a feeling to manufacture.
From framework to the therapy room
The Kites' work is grounded in Dr. Lexie Kite's PhD research on female body image at the University of Utah, and it has reached a wide audience through their book, their nonprofit Beauty Redefined, and a facilitator program built for dietitians and therapists — the exact clinicians Nura serves.
Her keynote is a chance to take that framework directly into your practice. Session title and details will be announced closer to the conference.
Frequently asked
Who is the 2027 Nura Conference keynote?
Dr. Lexie Kite, PhD — co-author of More Than a Body and co-director of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined. Her full session details will be announced.
What is the difference between body positivity and body-image resilience?
Body positivity focuses on feeling good about how your body looks. Body-image resilience focuses on knowing your body is good regardless of appearance, and on a practical process for responding to body-shame triggers — which makes it more usable as a clinical tool.