Delhi AIIMS-ICMR: Looks Obsession Threatens Youth Mental Health

• A joint Delhi AIIMS-ICMR three-year study reveals that the pressure to look good is severely impacting the mental health of young adults.
• One-fourth to one-third of youth experience mental pressure due to body image, affecting both overweight and underweight individuals.
• Increased screen time, decreased physical activity, and reliance on junk food are major contributors to rising obesity and related health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
• Most young people needing weight loss fail to participate in or sustain weight management programs, with 12-15% of obese youth being excessively overweight.
• Experts call for comprehensive programs and environmental changes, including healthy food options in canteens, to combat the growing obesity crisis.

Why It Matters: Body image pressure and lifestyle-driven obesity are severely impacting youth mental health, requiring urgent intervention.