Body image is an increasing concern among teenage boys

Body image issues are an increasing concern for teenage boys, according to a report by the charity Central YMCA.

The report, which examines the challenges of being young in modern Britain, found that being too fat or not attractive enough was of great concern for teenagers, with only fears of unemployment and not finishing school ranking higher.

34 per cent of boys reported dieting in an effort to change their body shape, and research shows that those struggling with body image can lead pupils to engage less in school. Central YMCA pointed towards social media as a key reason why body image concerns are rising.

Daniel Rees, operations director for YMCA training in central London, said: “Boys’ body image is increasingly under scrutiny with images in the press and social media. For many this is quite a serious issue and this has an impact on their social and educational life.

“Their lack of self confidence then impacts their education because they see themselves as being overweight and they don’t want to be sat in a classroom. They just feel they are under a lot of pressure to look and feel a certain way.”

Rosi Prescott, chief executive at Central YMCA, warned that these body image concerns can often lead to mental health issues. She said: “Our latest report into the biggest causes of harm to young people in Britain today has revealed that body image is now in the top three reported concerns - suggesting the very real and lasting damage caused by low self-esteem.

“It is a common pathway to mental illness and impacts young people’s interactions with education, employment, friends and family.

“This high ranking within our research of the most harmful challenges faced by young people may surprise many, but not those who have been watching this for some time. It’s an issue that has been growing for the past few years – celebrity culture and the increasing prevalence of social media has contributed hugely.