Body image refers to the perceptions and feelings an individual has about their physical appearance. It encompasses how we view ourselves and how we believe others perceive us. For young people, body image can be particularly volatile, influenced by various factors, including physical development, social comparisons, and external societal pressures. This concept is especially pronounced among adolescents, who often face fluctuating self-esteem and identity challenges during critical developmental stages.
Many young individuals experience negative self-evaluations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and discomfort.[1] Concerns may manifest in various forms, such as a desire to alter specific physical traits like height, skin tone, or facial features. Also, aspects such as physical disabilities, scars, or perceived flaws can significantly impact self-image. Peer comparisons and images on social media can further affect self-esteem.[2]
Friends and family’s comments on body images can reinforce unrealistic perceptions of being perfect. Intensifying the pressure to conform to these ideals. Marketing companies frequently push body-centric narratives through various mediums, including advertisements and television programs, encouraging weight loss and idealised beauty concepts. These pressures can profoundly impact an adolescent’s self-esteem and self-confidence, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and changes in daily functioning.
Impact Statistics
According to research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation in 2025, 79% of young people aged 11-16 in the UK reported that their appearance is important to them. Alarmingly, 35% of individuals aged 13-19 noted that their body image concerns cause them to worry “always” or “often”.[3] Furthermore, findings suggested that children as young as six years old express dissatisfaction with their self-perceptions, highlighting the troubling reality of body image issues even at a very young age (ibid).
Negative Impacts of Social Media
Social media plays a significant role in shaping body image perceptions among young people. The curated and often edited nature of posts can lead to unrealistic comparisons, prompting individuals to measure their self-worth against the filtered appearances of others. Social media platforms often perpetuate unattainable beauty standards, showcasing bodies altered through photo editing tools. This can lead to dissatisfaction as young individuals may feel they do not measure up.[1]
Constant exposure to images of peers and influencers can create a culture of comparison, eroding self-esteem. Young people may feel pressured to conform to trends or aesthetics to be accepted or admired. Additionally, social media can expose young individuals to negative commentary and cyberbullying related to their appearance, further exacerbating body image issues and leading to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.[1]
The desire for validation through likes and comments creates a feedback loop, where young people may go to extreme lengths to gain approval based on their appearance. This can lead to unhealthy behaviours, including disordered eating or excessive exercise. Prolonged exposure to negative feedback and comparisons can drastically reduce self-esteem, fostering a detrimental cycle of body dissatisfaction and emotional distress. Furthermore, pressure to conform to specific beauty standards can restrict young people’s ability to express their identity freely, adversely impacting their development and personal growth.
Conclusion
Addressing body image concerns among young people is crucial for promoting healthier self-perceptions and overall well-being. It is essential to encourage open dialogue about body diversity, emphasise the value of inner qualities, and foster a supportive environment that celebrates individuality, free from societal pressures and unrealistic expectations. Educating young people about the realities of social media, including the impact of filters and comparisons, can help mitigate negative influences and promote a healthier body image.
Signs and Feelings of Poor Body Image to look out for
A young person struggling with poor body image may exhibit several signs and behaviours. They might frequently express dissatisfaction with their appearance and worry about how they look. This can lead to constant comparisons with others, further exacerbating their feelings of inadequacy.
They may spend an excessive amount of time preparing themselves, potentially causing them to be late for or miss important commitments. There can be a significant preoccupation with weight and body shape, leading to behaviours such as regularly weighing themselves.
Body-checking behaviours, like pinching themselves or frequently examining their reflection in mirrors, could also be observed. In an attempt to address their concerns, they may gravitate toward dieting, adopting trends like “clean eating,” “raw food,” or even vegetarian or vegan diets without a clear rationale.
Additionally, there may be an increase in exercise focused solely on changing their body size and shape. Some may engage in harmful behaviours to manipulate their weight, such as using laxatives, diuretics, self-induced vomiting, or steroids.
Socially, these individuals might feel anxious about being seen by others or eating in public. They may struggle to recognise their own positive qualities and characteristics, making it difficult to form friendships or perform well at school. Furthermore, they might resist or find excuses to avoid physical education classes, further isolating themselves from healthy social interactions.
Signs of negative body image can manifest in various ways that do not directly involve weight. Individuals may express dissatisfaction with specific features, such as skin texture, hair type, or facial attributes, leading to feelings of inadequacy. A notable sign is the avoidance of mirrors or reflective surfaces out of discomfort with one’s appearance. This discomfort can also drive excessive grooming habits, where individuals spend an inordinate amount of time on hairstyling or makeup application to meet idealised standards.
Negative self-talk is another common indicator, with individuals often critiquing their physical appearance, ultimately lowering self-esteem. Social withdrawal may occur as they avoid gatherings out of fear of judgment based on their looks. This anxiety can extend to photographs, where individuals might feel distressed about being captured on camera, leading to avoidance of such situations.
Additionally, individuals might obsess over clothing choices, believing that specific styles will improve their perceived attractiveness. They may also struggle to accept compliments about their appearance, often attributing positive feedback to others’ insincerity. Overall, a general sense of discomfort in one’s own skin is a significant sign of negative body image, affecting mental well-being and self-acceptance. Recognizing these signs is essential for fostering healthier self-perceptions.
Supporting a young person with Negative Body Image Issues
Supporting a child with negative body image issues requires a compassionate and proactive approach. Here are several effective strategies:
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings about their body openly. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions to create a safe space for dialogue.
- Model Positive Behaviour: Demonstrate a healthy body image by avoiding negative self-talk about your appearance. Show appreciation for your body’s abilities and highlight the importance of health over appearance. Role model kindness towards yourself and others by avoiding diet or body-shaming discussions.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage balanced nutrition and physical activity without focusing on weight. Help them engage in sports or activities they enjoy, emphasizing fun and teamwork rather than appearance.
- Limit Media Exposure: Monitor the content your child consumes on social media and television. Encourage critical thinking about the images and messages they encounter and discuss how these do not always represent reality.
- Affirm Positive Qualities: Focus on your child’s strengths and qualities that extend beyond physical appearance. Praise their talents, character, and accomplishments to boost self-esteem.
- Seek Professional Help: If negative body image issues persist, consider consulting a mental health professional specialising in adolescent issues.[4]
Speak to your G.P if you feel your child or young person needs support with their body image.
References
1. Social media and mental health, Youngminds
2. Body Image and Self-Esteem, NHS
3. Body image in childhood, Mental Health Foundation
4. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), NHS
Quick help
- NHS Mental Health Services — start with your GP
- YoungMinds Textline – Text YM to 85258
- Samaritans – 116 123
