Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally and is linked with poor body image perception. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationships of body image (BI) and body mass index (BMI) with weight control practices among university students. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 308 university students (150 males and 158 females) aged between 18 and 25 years was carried out. Face-to-face interviews were conducted based on a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, physical activity, the Figure Rating Scale (FRS) and body image dissatisfaction (BID) questions. The majority of the participants (81%: 58.2% females and 41.8% males) were dissatisfied with their BI. Females desired to lose weight and preferred diet to exercise, while males desired to gain weight and preferred exercise to diet (p < 0.001). About 56%, 39.5%, and 4.5% of the participants were normal, overweight/obese, and underweight, respectively. There was a significant, strong correlation (R2 = 0.84, p < 0.001) between perceived BMI and actual BMI. Actual BMI showed a significant strong correlation with the BID (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). The results highlighted the need to increase awareness of the importance of healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activities to improve body size, shape perception, and satisfaction among college males and females.
Highlights
It has been noted that there has been a drastic increase in the attention given to the study of the relationship between body image (BI) and obesity [1,2]
The study highlights the importance of focusing on body image dissatisfaction among both females and males, with body image dissatisfaction associated with fewer attempts to either diet or exercise
It is essential to further comprehend the components that are related to the body image dissatisfaction (BID) among the female and male students and to confirm whether they are promoters or inhibitors of dieting and/or exercising
Summary
It has been noted that there has been a drastic increase in the attention given to the study of the relationship between body image (BI) and obesity [1,2]. The concepts of overweight and obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI), are not well understood by many people. Several researchers have reported misperceptions of weight status by adults [3,4]. Exploring an individual’s perception of his/her weight status and relating this perception to his/her real weight can help in determining the unrealistic views of BI [5], which is defined as the individual’s perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about his or her body [6]. Research studies have reported that awareness of being overweight or obese is an essential factor to start following weight-related behaviors [7]. A key to health and weight control is proper self-weight perception and body satisfaction. The scanty of existing evidence indicated that imprecise weight perceptions
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