New research shows that over half (52%) of Australian teenagers are concerned they are too fat or too thin yet 1-in-10 suffer in silence. In turn, 1-in-5 parents are concerned their teen is either over or underweight but are largely oblivious to the crisis of communication over the matter.
The research, conducted by the Medibank 24/7 Health Advice Line for this week's Body Image & Eating Disorders Awareness Week, questioned teenagers and their parents.
It revealed three-quarters of parents believed their teen would talk to them about weight concerns. But, in reality, once a teen hits 18 they are significantly less likely to speak to their mother or father for advice, and nearly twice as likely as younger teens not to seek any help at all.
The body image crisis appears to worsen once teens hit 18.
Those in the 18-19 year old age bracket more influenced by celebrities and friends than those in the younger age group. Over a quarter (26%) of 18-19 year olds are concerned about their weight compared with celebrities they admire, as opposed to just 4% of 13-17 year olds. The encouraging news is that older teens are more likely to speak to the family doctor, go to a medical centre or call a free phone line for health advice than their younger counterparts.
Out of anyone, including family, friends, medical professionals and school nurses, teens are most likely to speak to their mothers (63%), followed by friends (36%) with fathers down the list at only 19%. Of the parents consulted, only a third would seek medical advice if concerned about their teen’s weight.
“Body image is a topic that is more openly addressed than in previous generations," according to Dr Georgia Karabatsos, Medical Director of the Medibank 24/7 Health Advice Line.
"However, this research demonstrates that parents can be misguided about whether their teenage children will turn to them if they have concerns about their weight and there is a clear issue that as children become older they turn less to their family and are more influenced by external pressures such as celebrities. This could be both distressing for parents as well as detrimental to the health and wellbeing of our teenagers.
”It is important that weight and body image issues are addressed properly before they turn into more serious cases. Parents and teens should feel able to seek advice from health professionals."
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