Topic
Obesity & body image
Obesity and body image are complex and interconnected issues that significantly impact adolescent health and well-being. Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, while negative body image can contribute to mental health problems and unhealthy behaviours. Understanding the prevalence and factors influencing these issues is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
This section of the HBSC study examines the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight among adolescents, as well as their perceptions of body image. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges young people face in relation to weight and body image, informing targeted interventions to promote healthy weight management and positive body image.
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Key Findings
A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image
- Over one in five adolescents (22%) are overweight or obese.
- The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher among boys (27%) than girls (17%) and is more common among adolescents from less affluent families (27% vs. 18%).
- Nearly a third of adolescents (29%) perceive themselves as too fat, with a higher prevalence among girls (34%).
- Nearly a third of adolescents (29%) perceive themselves as too fat, with a higher prevalence among girls (34%).
- Body dissatisfaction, particularly among girls, tends to increase with age, highlighting the importance of early intervention to promote healthy body image and prevent negative mental health outcomes.
- While underweight is less prevalent than overweight and obesity (5%), it remains a concern for a small proportion of adolescents.
- The rate of underweight has remained stable at 5% since the last survey.
Cite this data
Rakić JG, Hamrik Z, Dzielska A, Felder-Puig R, Oja L, Bakalár P et al. A focus on adolescent physical activity, eating behaviours, weight status and body image in Europe, central Asia and Canada. Health Behaviour in School-aged Children international report from the 2021/2022 survey. Volume 4. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2024. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Youth Commentary
“Different people have unique perspectives and experiences. I guess what we need are more real conversations about real bodies, real struggles, and accepting ourselves for who we are.”
Girl, 17 years old, Kazakhstan
