What is it about?
This study analyzed data from more than 51,000 Korean teens to explore how their actual weight (BMI) and how they see their own bodies relate to depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. We found clear gender differences: many boys underestimated their weight, while many girls overestimated theirs. For girls with a healthy weight, thinking they were overweight significantly increased the risk of depression and suicidality. For boys without obesity, weight perception had little impact. These results show that body image—not just body weight—plays a critical role in adolescent mental health, especially for girls.
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Why is it important?
Mental health programs often focus on weight control, but our findings reveal the need to address perceptions of weight as well. Misjudging body size can put healthy teens at risk for emotional distress and suicide. Tackling body image distortion, reducing weight stigma, and creating gender-sensitive strategies in schools and communities could be powerful tools to protect adolescent well-being.
Perspectives
As a school health professional, I see daily how weight concerns can quietly affect teens’ confidence, relationships, and mental health. This research confirms that improving body image awareness is just as vital as promoting healthy weight. I hope these findings inspire educators, families, and policymakers to act on both the physical and psychological sides of youth health.
Eunha Jeong
Doonchon Middle School
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sex differences in the association of BMI and weight perception with depression and suicidality among Korean adolescents, PLOS One, August 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328549.
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