Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectives: The study had two main objectives: (a) track changes in self-esteem, eating behaviours and body satisfaction from early pregnancy to 24 months postpartum and (b) to compare changes by context (Israel vs. UK) and maternal body mass index (BMI).Background: High maternal BMI is associated with negative body image and restrained eating, which are experienced differently across cultures.Methods: 156 pregnant women were recruited from Israel and the UK. Seventy-three women were followed up every six months from early postpartum and until 24 months following birth. Women completed questionnaires assessing self-esteem (RSEQ), body image (BIS/BIDQ) and eating behaviours (DEBQ) and self-reported weights and heights so that BMI could be calculated.Results: Women with higher BMI had higher levels of self-esteem and were less satisfied with their body. Healthy-weight women were more likely to lose all of their retained pregnancy weight compared to overweight and obese women. Self-esteem, body image and eating behaviours remained stable from pregnancy until 24 months postpartum. No significant differences were found for any measure by context.Conclusion: BMI was the strongest predictor of self-esteem and body dissatisfaction and a higher BMI predicted less weight loss postpartum.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.