Teens' Perceptions of Body Size Linked to Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts

Teens who are going through the hormonal ups and downs of puberty - and the shape and size fluctuations that puberty can bring - may find it difficult to feel good about their bodies. Whether they think they're too small or too big, teens may worry that their size isn't right. According to researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, worries about body size may even be linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts in teens.

More than 13,000 teens in grades 9 through 12 participated in a survey and answered questions about their tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; sexual activity; participation in violence and risky behavior that could cause injury; diet and nutrition; and physical exercise. Teens were weighed and measured, so that researchers could calculate their body mass index measurements. Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that helps doctors judge whether a person has a healthy amount of body fat.

Teens also described themselves as:

• very underweight
• slightly underweight
• about the right weight
• slightly overweight
• very overweight

They also reported whether they'd seriously thought about or tried to attempt suicide during the last year. Finally, teens noted whether they tried to diet or exercise to lose weight or used diet pills, laxatives, or vomiting to control their weight within the last 30 days.

What a teen thought about his or her body size played a role in whether he or she considered or attempted suicide. Teens who thought they were very underweight, slightly underweight, slightly overweight, and very overweight were more likely to considered attempting suicide, compared to their peers who thought they weighed the right amount.

Race and ethnic background played a role in worries about body size, too. White students who thought they were very underweight or very overweight were more likely to have attempted suicide within the last year. And black and Hispanic students who thought they were very underweight were more likely to have attempted suicide within the last year.

What This Means to You: According to the results of this study, teens who go to extremes in their perception of their body size - whether they think they're over- or underweight - are more likely to consider or try attempting suicide than teens who feel they're at the right weight.

So what can parents do? First, try to foster a healthy body image in your teen, no matter what his or her size. Make sure your child knows it's OK to approach you with problems or concerns, and avoid teasing or nagging your child about his or her weight. Helping your child make nutritious food choices and developing an active lifestyle is also a good way to support your child in maintaining or getting to a healthy weight. If you have questions about whether your child's weight is healthy, you're worried that your child has self-esteem problems, or you're concerned your teen may be thinking about or has already attempted suicide, talk to your child's doctor.

Source: Danice K. Eaton, PhD; Richard Lowry, MD; Nancy D. Brener, PhD; Deborah A. Galuska, PhD; Alex E. Crosby, MD; Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, June 2005

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: June 2005

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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