Children as young as eight affected by poor body image

Children as young as eight are wanting to drop a size, according to new research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. 

The study surveyed more than 1100 primary school students, asking them to look at a range of body silhouettes and choose what they thought represented them. 

The participants were also asked to choose their ideal physique. 

Researcher Dr Libby Hughes said about one-third of the children wanted a different body shape. 

"There was a good proportion who chose a thinner ideal to their own body size," she said. 

Saliva samples were also taken to see if hormones played a part in students' thinking. 

"Those with higher level hormones tended to be unhappier about their body size, but tended to be taller and heavier than peers, that could have been causing unhappiness," Dr Hughes said. 

Anika Floris, 14, took part in the study when she was eight. 

She can't recall having an issue with body image then, but admits it's on her mind a lot more now as a teenager. 

"You see all these beautiful men and women who are perfect, and you think I've got to be like them to be successful," she said. 

The researchers say the findings highlight a need for primary schools to roll out better programs that teach children the importance of diverse body shapes and sizes. 

Sarah Harry from Body Positive Australia says around one million Australians suffer an eating disorder, with hospitals seeing a recent increase in child presentations. 

"They're seeing double the number of under twelves than what they were ten years ago," she said.