A Study on Body Image Perception and Obesity Stress by the Degree of Obesity in College Women

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was to assess the weight control behavior, body shape satisfaction, and obesity stress depending on the degree of obesity in college students who applied for a weight control program. The average BMI of the participants was 21.4 ㎏/㎡ which was in the normal range, and 76.3% of the participants were of normal body weight. Ideal BMI in this participant was 18.1 ㎏/㎡, which is in the underweight range. In terms of body perception, participants generally overestimated their body weight. The overweight and normal weight groups were less satisfied with their body shape than was the underweight group. The overweight group also expressed fears of showing their bodies to others. Additionally, the overweight and normal groups exhibited higher obesity stress than the underweight group. 97.0% of participants were interested in weight control as a way to improve their appearance. They usually obtained their weight control information from the internet and mass media. More than 80% of participants had weight control experience, having undergone weight control attempts for duration of less than a month. However, after the discontinuation of weight control efforts, these participants regained the weight. As a consequence, they were generally unsatisfied with the outcomes of weight control programs. This study demonstrated that the college women who had applied for the weight control program were unsatisfied with their body shape owing to distorted notions of the ideal body shape, and these women had generally undertaken frequent efforts to control their body weights. These results underline the importance of educating college-aged women on proper body perception and the maintenance of healthy body weight and shape.