From early childhood, suffering related to the body is observed. The hypersexualization of childhood, exaggerated concern about body image, and comments surrounding fatphobia and the importance of having a normative body are commonplace, and seem to be on the rise.
During adolescence, the need to be accepted (and loved) by others can be a risky moment, especially for young people who already have discomfort surrounding their own bodies.
In terms of gender, young women tend to express distress and low self-esteem in the form of self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, mood disorders, instability, substance abuse, sexual disinhibition, anxiety, and insomnia. It also coincides that girls are increasingly requesting and undergoing more cosmetic surgery, and at an earlier age, often by mirroring celebrities or “influencers.” In contrast, young men with body distress feel very excluded; in the clinic, we find boys with obesity and excessive screen time, with difficulties in social interaction.
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