Accepting your body as it changes can be hard for anyone—and especially for young women, who are constantly exposed to the stereotypical “ideal” body type on social media and television. Runner’s World speaks to female athletes and Elizabeth Barchi, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, about normalizing how young athletes’ bodies change.

Dr. Barchi, a sports medicine specialist at the Center for Women’s Sports Health, emphasizes the importance of healthy fueling—giving your body enough nutrition to change in a healthy way during puberty. “These changes are not only natural, but they are also necessary for optimal female health,” says Dr. Barchi.

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