Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Study: Obese and Underweight Youth Face Body Image Issues
A study with 1,000 young adults found that nearly half of those who were underweight or obese had serious body image issues.
These issues included feeling self-conscious and lacking confidence.
The study also found that over a third of the participants felt judged by others, and about a quarter often felt anxious about their weight.
The researchers from AIIMS in New Delhi said that body weight affects how people feel about themselves and their mental health.
They suggested that schools and healthcare systems should teach young adults about body image and how to build confidence.
This would help create a more supportive environment for everyone.
Nearly half of underweight (47.1%) and obese (49.6%) young adults experienced moderate to severe body image concerns.
Over a third (37.5%) of participants felt judged by others, and about a quarter (24.5%) experienced weight-related anxiety.
Self-consciousness was significantly associated with obesity, while lack of confidence was most severe among underweight participants.
The study highlights the need for comprehensive health policies addressing body image concerns among young adults.
Educational institutions and healthcare systems should incorporate body image literacy and resilience-building programs.
- Who
- 1,000 young adults surveyed by AIIMS, New Delhi
- What
- Study on body image concerns among young adults with varying weight categories
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India (study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi)
- Why
- To understand the impact of body weight on psychological well-being in young adults
- Study Participants
- 1,000 young adults
- Moderate to Severe Concerns
- 47.1% underweight, 49.6% obese
- Felt Judged by Others
- 37.5%
- Experienced Weight-Related Anxiety
- 24.5%
- Research Institution
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Journal
- Journal of Education and Health Promotion
