Body image dissatisfaction and low adherence to the Western dietary standard among schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify dietary patterns and to evaluate the association between body image perception and these patterns among schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 schoolchildren (both sexes, 10-17 years old) from four public schools in Salvador, Brazil. Two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were applied, and the dietary pattern was determined by Exploratory Factor Analysis after adjustment of dietary data using the Multiple Source Method. To evaluate body image perception, the Brazilian body shape silhouette was used. The associations between body image perception and dietary patterns using the polytomous logistic regression model adjusted for covariables was assessed. Three dietary patterns were obtained: "Western standard," unhealthy, "healthy pattern" and "typical dishes/ junk food." After adjustment, adolescents who wished for a slimmer silhouette (2.48 [95%CI: 1.04-6.11], 3.49 [95%CI: 1.35-9.05] and 2.87 [95%CI: 1.13-7.26]) were more likely to adhere to the quintiles with the lowest consumption of the Western standard, compared to those satisfied with their body image. No associations were identified in the other two dietary patterns. Adolescents dissatisfied with their bodies tend to adhere less to unhealthy dietary patterns.