Adolescent body image: results of Czech ELSPAC study

The study examined appearance and body satisfaction in adolescents. For these purposes, data from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood in the Czech Republic were used.

The data were collected in 2010 and the sample comprised 3,105 18-year-old respondents.

The research found that the respondents who wished to reduce their weight were mostly women with BMI in the normal range. Based on the body cathexis scale, we found that women compared to men are more critical of stomach, hips, buttocks, and thighs, as well as overall weight and figure. The results showed that criticism of their weight from their immediate environment is unpleasant to both female and male adolescents to such an extent that it makes them try to reduce it. However, it is clear that girls are altogether less satisfied with their bodies than boys.

For both genders, body dissatisfaction is most likely enhanced by critical comments from peers and parents about appearance, body weight etc.