Physical attractiveness has been shown to be correlated with positive perceptions from peers, better quality of relationships, and greater acceptance in social life. Studies have also shown that overweight adolescents are less socially accepted by their peers. In settings that place greater emphasis on dating relationships, there is a higher rate of bulimia. Adolescents may engage in disordered eating in order to be more accepted by peers and potential romantic partners. 

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Adolescent girls begin to find their self image through their peer relationships, and girls who more heavily rely on outside approval may be more susceptible to peer pressure, and may be more likely to subscribe to the ideal body standard. This leads to low self esteem, and puts them at a greater risk for engaging in disordered eating behaviors. 

Outside influence on self-perception

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2. Outside influence on self-perception

University of California, Berkeley

Peer relationships can influence adolescent girls’ perceptions of themselves and their bodies, potentially leading to the development of disordered patterns of eating, or even diagnosable eating disorders. 

Influence of Peer Relations on Adolescent Girls

Interpersonal influence and disordered eating behaviors in adolescent girls: The role of peer modeling, social reinforcement, and body-related teasing. Eating Behaviors, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2001, Pages 215-236, ISSN 1471-0153, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1471-0153(01)00030-7.

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