Body Image-Teenager Edition

Body image issues are prevalent in teenagers due to internal and external factors. Social media, peer pressure, puberty, and mental health influence many teenagers.

Many teens utilize Instagram and TikTok. These platforms advertise ideal body types that can negatively influence teens. A 2019 study found that 88 percent of teen girls and 65 percent of teen boys compare themselves to people on social media. These devastating percentages follow into the report that talks about how teens who engage in social media are 2.2 times more likely to develop body image issues.

Peer pressure can also negatively impact teens. Some peers bully their friends, which can influence how people view their bodies and ruin their self-esteem. Studies have shown that 70 percent of teenage girls feel insecure and have low self-esteem.

Both teenage girls and boys go through changes in their bodies during puberty. Girls start developing their breasts and hips, while boys start developing more muscles.  However, teens develop at different times, so they can feel pressure if they develop earlier or later than their peers.

Poor body image ties into many mental health issues, such as eating disorders and anxiety.  Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Studies have shown that thirty percent of teenage girls engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals and vomiting. Additionally, two percent of teens struggle with body dysmorphia. A lot of these behaviors are caused by poor body image, which is a prevalent issue in teens.