Essex Physiotherapy Clinic
Written: Thursday, December 10, 2009AGE-OLD PROBLEM
One in three young girls aged between 11 and 16 is worried about their weight, a study found yesterday (Weds).
Research among 4,500 youngsters revealed a huge number of young females suffer hang-ups about their image or body shape, despite their tender years.
Fears over not having many friends also emerged as a major cause of concern for girls, as did school workload and being bullied.
Looking good, arguing with friends and worries over their parent's financial situation also appeared on the list of girls' fears.
Boys said their main worries were their parents arguing, bad skin and spots and bullying.
Career fears, weight and boredom also emerged as concerns.
Yesterday a spokesman for Essex Physiotherapy Clinic which carried out the research to mark the launch of their relaxation CDs, said: ''It's worrying to see so many young girls who are concerned about their weight.
''At that age they should be enjoying life, not waking up and feeling depressed about their appearance.
''Many children are suffering from underlying emotional pressures which are having a direct effect on their physical well-being.
''Media pressure to conform to pop culture and material expectations are placing ever greater stress on young people.
''The study found kids worry about a wide range of issues.
''From hearing their parents argue, having bad skin or struggling with homework, to fear of being bored or not wearing the right clothes.
''It's sad to think so many youngsters are waking up and immediately dreading something - with many feeling like they have no one to turn to.
''But instead they're choosing unhealthy options like alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and junk food rather than safe options like relaxation and exercise.''
The study also found one in three girls are wracked with worry the moment they wake up in the morning while almost four out of ten boys said the same thing.
A similar number of girls said they dreaded going to school in the morning because of worries over the workload, teachers or bullying.
Worryingly, one in three girls said they felt 'low' on a daily basis compared to 41 per cent of boys.
Four out of ten boys and girls said they felt 'permanently stressed out' and of those four out of ten girls said they binged on comfort foods if they felt down.
GIRLS' FEARS
1. Bad skin and spots
2. Being too fat
3. Having few or no friends
4. Struggling to do homework
5. Getting bullied
6. Not having the right clothes
7. Not having a clue what career to have
8. Not having a boyfriend/girlfriend
9. Arguing with friends
10. My parent's financial situation
BOYS' FEARS
1. Parents arguing
2. Bad skin and spots
3. Getting bullied
4. Having few or no friends
5. Struggling to do homework
6. Not having a clue what career to have
7. Being too fat
8. Not having a boyfriend/girlfriend
9. Being bored
10. Arguing with friends
