Body satisfaction in adolescent girls

Abstract
Body satisfaction was examined in four age groups of female British adolescents. Overall satisfaction with nine body features declined from age 12 to 18 years, particularly upper thigh, buttocks and stomach measurements. Although a shape ratio (weight divided by height) determined various aspects of body satisfaction in older girls, self-perceived weight (underweight, OK, overweight) related more directly to body satisfaction. The results suggest that body satisfaction declines during adolescence and is linked to psychological self-esteem and excessive dieting.