Body Image During Puberty: What Happens to How Kids Feel About Their Bodies?

Adolescence, the period between childhood and adulthood, is a time when significant changes happen to the human body. These changes, called puberty, signify the time during which humans develop into adults. During puberty, changes in weight, height, and muscle size leave many adolescents feeling unhappy with their appearance. We describe how these changes affect body image, which is the way that adolescents feel about their bodies. First, we discuss how a negative body image can be a risk factor for eating disorders and depression. Second, we highlight the body positivity movement, which encourages people to love their bodies no matter what they look like. Lastly, we describe body neutrality, an attitude that celebrates bodies for what they allow us to do, rather than for their appearance. Together, these body image concepts can help people to understand how physical changes that accompany puberty might affect mental health.