Body Image Dissatisfaction: A Review of Overestimation of Body Weight among Adolescents

This paper is an attempt to review the researches in the area of body image dissatisfaction among adolescents with special focus on Indian adolescents. Adolescents experience noticeable dissatisfaction with their body weight and shape, with females incorrectly overestimating their weight, and males often underestimating their weight. Weight misperception is associated with several unhealthy weight-loss behaviors, such as use of laxatives, diet pills and supplements. Associations between weight misperceptions and psychological disorders, such as depression were noted. Overestimation of weight was also associated with a potential increase in the likelihood of obesity. Identifying populations that incorrectly perceived themselves as overweight was crucial in targeting adolescent mental health issues and obesity and in improving the quality of life.