10. Challenges for policy and practice

10.4. Physical health problems

What this is about

Many children and young people feel unhappy and unsatisfied with their bodies – their weight in particular. This is a problem, as feeling good about your body helps ensure well-being. Although obesity is in fact an increasing issue (including on an international level), interestingly, two thirds of the young people surveyed were of a suitable weight for their age and height. As this section shows, preventative programmes should not therefore focus on weight alone, but rather on achieving a better body image in order to boost young people’s well-being.