Perceived overweight linked to increased risk of self-harm in teens
A new study from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has revealed that adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight are three times more likely to consider self-harm, regardless of their actual weight.
The findings highlight the significant impact of weight perception on mental health, suggesting that self-perception can be a stronger predictor of suicidal ideation than objective weight status.
Philip Baiden, the study’s lead author and Associate Professor at UTA, emphasised the importance of this discovery: "What we found was that the perception of being overweight has a much stronger effect on suicidal ideation than the objective measure of weight."
The research was conducted by Baiden in collaboration with UTA Associate Professor Catherine LaBrenz and scholars from UT Dallas, Texas Woman’s University, Florida International University, New York University, Simmons University, and the University of Ghana. Their study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychiatry Research, examined data from over 39,000 adolescents aged 14 to 18, sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behaviour Survey. The analysis accounted for various factors, including socioeconomic status, family dynamics, academic pressures, and adverse childhood experiences.
Dr LaBrenz noted the robustness of their findings: "Even after adjusting for established suicidal ideation risk factors such as feelings of hopelessness, bullying, cyberbullying, substance use, and demographic variables, we still found a connection between how adolescents feel about their weight and whether they are considering self-harm. We also found that females were more at risk than males in perceiving themselves as overweight."
The study adds to growing concerns about how body image influences adolescent mental health and aligns with ongoing discussions about the limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a diagnostic tool. Baiden pointed out that their findings reinforce calls to reconsider BMI's role in categorising individuals as living with overweight or obese.
The researchers stress the critical role of schools, families, and communities in fostering supportive environments that promote positive body image. Schools, in particular, can provide mental health resources and cultivate inclusive atmospheres to help adolescents navigate self-perception challenges.
"By investing in preventive measures and early-intervention programmes," Baiden concluded, "it is possible to reduce the long-term burden on the health care system and improve the quality of life for young people."