Disturbing Study Reveals Alarming Body Image Crisis Among Young Girls

A new study by Girlguiding has revealed the alarming extent to which appearance-related issues are impacting girls and young women in the UK.

According to the research, almost four in ten girls aged 11-16 have been on a diet, while over half said they want to lose weight. The study also found that around half of girls and young women are contemplating cosmetic procedures to change their appearance.

“It is so disheartening to see the devastating impact appearance pressures continue to have on girls in our society, and just how young these girls are,” said Angela Salt, chief executive of Girlguiding.

The survey of 2,734 girls and young women found that just over a quarter of 11-16 year olds would consider cosmetic alterations in the next two decades, rising to almost half for 17-21 year olds.

Disturbingly, the study also discovered that over half of girls aged 7-21 have experienced negative comments about their appearance. Around six in ten girls aged 11-21 are aware of friends or peers who have had an eating disorder.

“These worries are consuming for girls, which inevitably affects their day-to-day wellbeing and confidence,” Salt said. “That’s why it’s so important for this issue to be addressed and more transparency is required online.”

The research found that almost half of girls aged 11-21 said they have seen images in the last year that made them feel insecure, while just over half wished they looked the way they do with online filters.

Girlguiding stressed the importance of providing girls with a “safe space” where they can feel empowered to be themselves, without the intense pressures around appearance.

“For us at Girlguiding, it’s crucial we continue to offer a safe space for girls where they are free to be themselves, have fun, learn, explore, and feel empowered to know they can do anything,” Salt said.