Stephanie Ng, Founder & CEO of Body Banter: Breaking Boundaries in Mental Health & Body Image Advocacy
- Stephanie discusses her teenage struggles with an eating disorder in Hong Kong’s culture of silence.
- First shared experiences in a high school project.
Podcast
Overview
Stephanie Ng, Founder of Body Banter and author of Big Bites Break Boundaries, joins host Ashutosh Garg to discuss her personal journey with eating disorders and mental health advocacy in Hong Kong. Here’s a concise episode summary with key topics, organized by timestamped questions:
00:01:14 – What inspired Stephanie to share her story?
- Stephanie discusses her teenage struggles with an eating disorder in Hong Kong’s culture of silence.
- First shared experiences in a high school project.
- She found that personal honesty encouraged others to open up.
00:04:40 – How did Stephanie approach writing her memoir?
- Tried blogs/podcasts before choosing a book.
- Assembling messy, candid snapshots to reflect the true recovery journey.
- Writing proved both challenging and deeply rewarding.
00:07:39 – Why was Body Banter founded in Hong Kong?
- Started as a college club after exposure to US mental health advocacy.
- Returned to HK, saw the need for open dialogue among youth.
- Body Banter remains Hong Kong’s only NGO dedicated to youth body image issues.
00:10:33 – Why is body image a persistent generational issue in Asia?
- Stigma: perceived as personal choice, rather than psychological struggle.
- Cultural emphasis on communal eating; isolation for those who struggle.
- Lack of language and safe spaces for conversation.
00:13:12 – What have youth revealed through Body Banter’s work?
- Greater awareness and willingness to talk about mental health than expected.
- Growing numbers of youth-led initiatives.
00:14:42 – How are generational attitudes changing?
- Younger generations more sensitive and self-reflective about body image commentary.
- Awareness that well-meant comments can still hurt.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Stephanie Ng: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
What’s different about Gen Z? Stephanie sees that today’s youth are self-aware—even if they KNOW social media is toxic, they actively reflect, confront, and even start clubs to change the narrative on campus. There’s hope! Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
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- Stephanie discusses her teenage struggles with an eating disorder in Hong Kong’s culture of silence.
- First shared experiences in a high school project.
- She found that personal honesty encouraged others to open up.
