I read the article this morning and was shocked. 
Most likely, he's under considerable stress over his schoolwork.
Different people have different coping abilities and it was
reported that he's frequently stressed because of school.
There's a sort of psychological disorder classified under the
DSM-IV : Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which sounds like what he
might have been suffering from.
"BDD is a preoccupation with an imagined physical defect in
appearance or a vastly exaggerated concern about a minimal defect.
The preoccupation must cause significant impairment in the
individual's life. The individual thinks about his or her defect
for at least an hour per day.
"The individual's obsessive concern most often is concerned with
facial features, hair or odor. The disorder often begins in
adolescence, becomes chronic and leads to a great deal of internal
suffering.
"The person may fear ridicule in social situations, and may consult
many dermatologists or plastic surgeons and undergo painful or
risky procedures to try to change the perceived defect. The medical
procedures rarely produce relief. Indeed they often lead to a
worsening of symptoms. BDD may limit friendships. Obsessive
ruminations about appearance may make it difficult to concentrate
on schoolwork.
Extracted from : http://www.ncpamd.com/body_dysmorphic_disorder.htm
It was reported that despite assurances from his GP, his
girlfriend, and his mom, the boy continued to be obsessed with the
idea that he's 'small'.
What a sad waste of life. 
