Five-year change in body satisfaction among adolescents

Abstract

Objective The present study uses longitudinal data to examine changes in body satisfaction among male and female adolescents from baseline to 5 years. Methods A diverse sample of 2516 adolescents completed surveys in 1999 and 2004, reporting satisfaction with 10 body parts or attributes, height/weight, and other characteristics. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to estimate change in body satisfaction from Time 1 to Time 2, by age group, race, and change in body mass index (BMI) category. Results Body satisfaction decreased over 5 years (mean satisfaction change=−0.79) in all groups except older adolescent females. Scores decreased significantly more among younger adolescents than older adolescents, among some racial/ethnic groups of males, and among those whose BMI increased. However, among males, change in body satisfaction depended on BMI category at baseline. Conclusions Different types of prevention programs addressing body image may be needed for males and females at different developmental stages and may need to address changes in BMI.