Body Dissatisfaction Among Young People

Body image is the mental and subjective representation of our appearance. It sometimes approaches the reality of our body. But in other cases, it deviates considerably. Thus, bodily dissatisfaction arises from attitudes, feelings and behaviors that refer to our physique.

Most of us show some inconsistency in some aspect of our body. It is normal, if and only if one does not carry out disproportionate actions to change, shape or modify the part of the body in question.

The term used to describe this situation is “normative discomfort”. We therefore speak of bodily dissatisfaction when this non-conformity leads us to adopt behaviors that are dangerous for physical and mental health,  in order to modify our body image.

Origins and causes

Due to the prevalence of body dissatisfaction in Western society, studies to determine its causes have been carried out over the past 20 years. We mainly looked for 2 groups of variables:

• Social factors: media, culture, friendships and family
• Psychological factors:  feelings caused by social factors and beliefs arising from the influence of parents and culture

As can be seen, psychological factors are associated with social factors. In addition, media and culture are the main vectors of people’s body image. In fact, as one of the studies analyzed indicates:

Body dissatisfaction in young people and adolescents

As we have already mentioned,  our body image is conditioned by internal perceptual, affective and behavioral components.  We live in a society that places ever greater – and disproportionate – importance on body image. Particularly in Western culture, where thinness in women and muscularity in men are valued.

In this sense,  the media constantly bombard us, including in our models the mold of beauty that they project. In fact, the beauty and body worship industries have experienced a meteoric rise in recent years.

Although it affects all age groups, it is  in adolescence that this message can prove to be the most dangerous. Adolescence is a time of change, research and nonconformity. Therefore, the influence of the messages they receive from society and the media can hit them harder than any other age group.

Additionally, some studies have indicated that body dissatisfaction occurs before adolescence. These findings are very alarming. They require society to take extraordinary preventive measures.

Consequences of a negative body image

Body dissatisfaction can sometimes cause us to adopt behaviors that are harmful to our health, with the aim of bringing us closer to the “ideal body”. For example, with regard to weight, behaviors such as restricting certain foods, fasting and excessive physical activity have been associated.

Before adolescence, these behaviors can affect the body causing some fatigue, bone injury, gastrointestinal problems, or nutritional deficits. At worst, they can lead to  stunted growth, late puberty, or eating disorders. In fact, body dissatisfaction is a good indicator of this type of disorder.

Eating disorders affect women more than men. Nevertheless, in recent years, these disorders have been on the rise in men. The latter often express their dissatisfaction when they perceive their body too thin or too fat and not muscular. However, women are especially concerned with the perception of the large volume of their body.

To prevent the occurrence of all these problems, there is a  proven approach that is used, for example, in schools. This approach aims to establish a critical view of the media on weight. It is also about accepting your physique and promoting healthy habits, sports and nutrition.

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