Underweight or Obese, Young Indians Battle High Levels of Body Image Concerns: AIIMS Study
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Body image concerns are emerging as a significant but often overlooked mental health issue among young adults in India. Recent research by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, reveals that nearly half of underweight and obese youth experience moderate to severe distress related to their body weight, affecting their confidence, social interactions, and overall well-being.
The study, published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, surveyed over 1,000 young adults aged 18–30, highlighting that body weight is not just a physical health issue but a crucial factor influencing psychological well-being. Among the participants, 47% of underweight and 49% of obese individuals reported moderate to severe body image concerns, compared to around 36% of those with normal or overweight status, who mostly reported mild levels of distress.
The findings also pointed to specific patterns depending on body weight. Participants with obesity were more likely to feel self-conscious, while underweight individuals reported the lowest levels of confidence. Experts noted that confidence issues were also present among obese participants, though slightly less severe.
The survey revealed that over a third (37.5%) felt judged by others, and roughly a fourth (24.5%) experienced frequent anxiety about their weight. Experts emphasize that this anxiety extends beyond appearance, impacting motivation, social participation, and adherence to healthy lifestyle programs.
“Nearly half of the underweight (47.1%) and obese (49.6%) young adults faced moderate to severe body image concerns, whereas normal-weight and overweight participants mostly experienced only mild issues,” the researchers explained.
The study also sheds light on the broader social and psychological consequences of body image distress. Underweight youth were almost twice as likely, and obese youth nearly three times as likely, to experience significant emotional strain compared to their normal-weight peers. Researchers observed that obese participants often struggle with self-consciousness and loss of confidence, while underweight participants frequently deal with anxiety, loneliness, and embarrassment. Overall, more than half were constantly aware of their weight, one in three felt less confident, and one in four felt judged.
These statistics are not just numbers—they represent real-life challenges. For instance, Rohit, 23, who has been underweight since his teens, described how casual comments about his appearance made him withdraw socially. “People think they’re being helpful, but they don’t realize how exposed it makes you feel,” he shared. On the other end, Meera, 20, who gained weight during the pandemic, said, “My body suddenly mattered more than my grades. I didn’t just gain weight—I lost confidence.”
Experts involved in the research stressed that weight management cannot be addressed without integrating mental health support. “Weight management goes far beyond losing weight,” said Prof Piyush Ranjan from the Department of Medicine. “Unaddressed emotional concerns are a major reason young people drop out of lifestyle programs. Integrating psychological screening into routine nutrition care is essential for sustainable outcomes.”
The study, led by nutritionist and PhD scholar Warisha Anwar, points out a gap in India’s largely calorie-focused approach to weight management. It highlights that stigma, unrealistic beauty standards, and emotional fatigue contribute significantly to poor adherence to weight management programs and can worsen long-term outcomes.
Prof Naval K Vikram, chief of the Metabolic Research Group at AIIMS, added that person-centered care, early psychological screening, and body-image-sensitive counselling—particularly in schools and colleges—can help young adults navigate these challenges more effectively.
The findings underscore a pressing need for comprehensive health policies and educational programs that address body image concerns across the weight spectrum. Incorporating body image literacy, resilience-building initiatives, and stigma-free support systems can help create an environment that promotes both physical and mental well-being among young adults.
Body image anxiety is not limited to obesity; it affects young people at all extremes of weight, impacting confidence, mental health, and social life. The AIIMS study demonstrates that tackling body weight issues without considering the emotional and psychological dimension is incomplete. Addressing these concerns through integrated mental health care, awareness programs, and supportive public policies is essential for nurturing healthier, more confident young adults across India.
