Prevalence and predictors of body image distortion and dissatisfaction among school-going adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Body image is a key psychosocial factor during adolescence, a period marked by significant physical and emotional changes. Body image dissatisfaction and distortion – misperception of body size – are linked to low self-esteem, eating disorders and risky behaviours. Rising obesity rates among Indian adolescents, as shown in the National Family Health Survey-5 and societal pressures on appearance, heighten these issues. Assessing body image concerns among adolescents is crucial for early intervention to support mental health and prevent adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine their prevalence among schoolchildren aged 10–16 in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts and examine associations with sociodemographic, behavioural and psychological factors. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted (January 2025–April 2025) among 399 adolescents aged 10–16 from selected private schools in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar using multistage stratified sampling. Data on sociodemographic, behavioural and psychological factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Body image distortion was assessed by comparing perceived body image (Stunkard Scale) with actual body mass index. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v. 25. Results: Among 399 adolescents, 233 (58.4%) were <13 years and 236 (59.1%) were boys. Significant associations with body image distortion were found for screen time (Chi-square [χ 2 ] = 47.98, P < 0.001), media use (χ 2 = 39.58, P < 0.001) and exercise (χ 2 = 19.91, P < 0.001). Similarly, body dissatisfaction correlated with screen time (χ 2 = 145.1), exercise (χ 2 = 64.5), peer teasing (χ 2 = 28.7) and family type (χ 2 = 19.8), while factors such as gender and self-esteem showed no significance. Conclusion: The study found screen time, media exposure and exercise influenced body distortion, while demographic factors showed no significant associations.