Dana K. Voelker|Justine J. Reel|Christy Greenleaf
Weight status and body image perceptions in adolescents: current perspectives
University of North Carolina Wilmington|Wilmington College|West Virginia University|University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
adolescence represents pivotal stage development positive negative body image many influences exist teen years including transitions eg puberty affect ones body shape weight status appearance weight status exists along spectrum obese ie ones body weight 95th percentile age gender underweight salient influences body image include media target adolescents peers help shape beliefs perceived body ideal internalization pressures conform socially prescribed body ideals help explain associations weight status body image concepts fat talk weightrelated bullying adolescence greatly contribute overemphasis body weight appearance well development negative body perceptions dissatisfaction surrounding specific body parts article provides overview significance adolescent development shaping body image relationship body image adolescent weight status consequences negative body image adolescence ie disordered eating eating disorders dysfunctional exercise practical implications promoting healthy weight status positive body image among adolescents discussed