Body Image

The research asked children a number of questions that relate to body size and how they perceive this in a social context. In particular, the research focused on whether children believe they are over or under weight and whether they have experienced any teasing related to their physical appearance.

According to the study:

• Almost 60% of children perceived their bodies to be about right, while fully 20% of boys and girls believed themselves to be overweight to some degree.

• Children reported increased levels of depression and anxiety if they perceived themselves to be overweight.

• Nearly one-third of all boys and girls have been teased at some point about what they look like. That teasing goes up from Grade 4 to Grade 7. By Grade 7, 37% of girls report being teased - a 24% increase. Interestingly, more boys report being teased about their bodies in Grade 7 than girls.

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