Male teenagers who perceive themselves as too thin or too fat when they're actually a perfectly healthy weight are more likely to develop depression, according to a new study.
The research by the American Psychological Association also found that teens who believe that they're underweight and are bullied because of it are more likely to use steroids, found a second study.
The lead researcher behind both studies believes that his work proves how distorted body image is prevalent amongst boys as well as girls but often gets overlooked.
Speaking about his two pieces of research, Aaron Blashill, PhD, staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, said: "These studies highlight the often under-reported issue of distorted body image among adolescent boys.
"Teenage girls tend to internalise and strive for a thin appearance, whereas teenage boys tend to emphasise a more muscular body type. We found that some of these boys who feel they are unable to achieve that often unattainable image are suffering and may be taking drastic measures."
