Adolescence is a turbulent time full of personal, emotional, and physical changes. A lot of these changes are due to developments throughout the brain, affecting our judgment, learning ability, and responses to stress. During this time, teens become extremely susceptible to influences around them, so it’s important for them to do activities that promote healthy habits. But what are some of these activities, and how do they help teens? Well, one healthy activity that many teens get involved in is exercise. Exercise helps people stay physically healthy, which in turn, helps them stay mentally healthy by promoting self confidence and other mental benefits. Fitness is known to have health improvements for everyone, including teens, but what’s not as well known are the detrimental mental health effects that are associated with fitness.
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Body Dysmorphia and Its Roots in Teen Fitness Culture
Body dysmorphic disorder, or body dysmorphia, is a mental disorder characterized by constant worrying over flaws in one’s appearance that are often unnoticeable to others. In a 2020 study published by the Journal of Medicine and Primary Care, more than half of sampled male and female teens were found to have at least one physical insecurity related to their fitness such as weight/musculature, despite being physically active. These insecurities prevented them from simply doing daily activities like going out to the movies or attending family gatherings. During adolescence, teens place a high value on physical appearances. Naturally, they hyperfocus on appearances, including their own.
Although small physical insecurities aren’t a definite indicator, body dysmorphia develops through increasing obsession with these insecurities and stems from a variety of factors. As teens grow interested in fitness, they become more invested in their physical appearance and bodies. This awareness leads to physical insecurities that often stem from comparisons to peers and celebrities on social media. But the insecurities that develop from unrealistic comparisons can result in unhealthy obsessive behavior in teens such as:
- Unhealthy dieting practices, such as starving
- Going to extreme lengths to avoid any social interaction due to insecurities in appearance
- Excessive time spent exercising to reduce body fat or enhance musculature
- Consumption of steroids or other unhealthy substances that are believed to enhance body musculature
- Excessive spending on cosmetics to “fix” insecurities
These behaviors can consume a teen’s life, and take away time from important daily responsibilities such as schoolwork or getting proper sleep. Obsessive behaviors characterized by body dysmorphia are also linked to other severe psychological disorders. According to a 2017 study done by University College London, about 59% of sampled teens with body dysmorphia had struggled with anxiety, while 32% of the same population struggled with depression as well.
Promoting Positive Body Image in Teens
So how can we help teens promote positive body image? Here are important things to consider for teens affected by body dysmorphia.
- Content on social media is heavily edited and fabricated
- There are millions of other people struggling with body dysmorphia, no one is alone
- Everyone’s body is unique, don’t obsess about imitating someone else’s body
- Learn to accept your body and the fitness goals you set for yourself
If you believe that you suffer from body dysmorphia, or if it is affecting the lives of those around you, do not hesitate to seek help and reach out to schedule a consultation with a therapist for teens.
