A new study from University College London reveals that teenagers unhappy with their bodies are more likely to experience eating disorders and depression in early adulthood. The research, which tracked over 2,000 twins born in England and Wales, suggests that negative body image can actively contribute to mental health problems, rather than merely reflect them.
Using data from the long-term Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), researchers followed participants from age 16 into their twenties, assessing body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, depression, and body mass index. By comparing identical twins, who share all their genes, with non-identical twins, who share roughly half, the team was able to separate the effects of genetics and shared family environment.
Findings showed that higher body dissatisfaction at age 16 strongly predicted increased eating disorder and depressive symptoms in early adulthood. While both boys and girls were affected, girls exhibited stronger associations, likely reflecting societal pressures around appearance and thinness. Lead author Dr. Ilaria Costantini noted that the study primarily measured weight and shape concerns, which are more prevalent for girls, and suggested broader measures could reveal similar effects in boys.
The study also indicated that genetics play a significant role in linking body dissatisfaction to later BMI, while unique personal experiences—such as peer pressure, bullying, and exposure to social media—further shape body image and mental health outcomes.
Senior author Professor Francesca Solmi emphasized that addressing body dissatisfaction in teenagers is crucial, advocating for coordinated public health strategies that include schools, families, and media, while avoiding messaging that reinforces weight stigma.
Umairah Malik, Clinical Manager at Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, highlighted the study’s contribution to understanding the environmental and genetic factors influencing body image. She stressed the importance of societal action to reduce stigma and support prevention efforts, noting that early intervention and supportive environments can significantly mitigate the risk of both mental and physical health problems.
The research underlines that both inherited and environmental factors shape body dissatisfaction, which can have lasting impacts on mental health. It strengthens the case for public health campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at fostering body acceptance and challenging unrealistic beauty standards from adolescence onward.
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