Body dissatisfaction is a "public health concern"
Research led by experts at the University of the West of England in Bristol suggests "body dissatisfaction in adolescence predicts later depressive episodes".
A study of 2,078 girls and 1,675 boys in the UK found that those who disliked their appearance at the age of 14 were more likely to experience depressive episodes aged 18 than those who were not.
Experts have now warned that body dissatisfaction is a "public health" concern.
Among girls, each incremental increase in body dissatisfaction at 14-years-old was linked to a 63% increased likelihood of suffering mild depression aged 18, a 67% increased likelihood of suffering moderate depression, and an 84% increased likelihood of suffering severe depression.
Similarly for boys, each increase at 14-years-old meant they were 50% more likely to suffer mild depression and almost three times as likely to suffer severe depression aged 18.
Writing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, experts led by the University of the West of England said this is the first study of its kind to demonstrate that "body dissatisfaction in adolescence predicts later depressive episodes".
The study:
The study involved children born in Somerset in England in 1991/92 who were taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
When aged 14, the youngsters were asked to rate satisfaction with their physical appearance by scoring their weight, figure, body build and specific areas, including breasts, stomach, waist, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, face and hair.
This was on a five-point scale, where 0 equals "extremely dissatisfied" and 5 equals "extremely satisfied".
Both the boys and the girls were mildly satisfied with their body, overall, the study found. Girls tended to dislike their thighs, stomach, and weight, but liked their hair and hips.
Boys tended to be dissatisfied with body build, stomach, and hips.
When they were 18, depressive symptoms were formally assessed, with girls more likely to report depressive episodes than boys.
One in 10 (10%) of the girls reported at least one mild depressive episode compared with one in 20 (5%) of the boys.
The findings:
The researchers concluded: "It is possible that, in the era of social media and increasing pressures on body ideals, male adolescents have also become sensitive to (idealised body image) pressures, which may translate into later depressive episodes."
They added: "These findings demonstrate that body dissatisfaction should be considered as a public health issue of pressing concern.
"(It) is highly prevalent among young people in the general population and has an increasing incidence; the findings indicate that reducing body dissatisfaction might be an effective strategy to reduce mental health issues."
Helplines and advice:
Young Minds: Eating problems helpline
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation: https://bddfoundation.org/helping-you/useful-helplines/