Self-perceived body image and body satisfaction of adolescents

Maraísa I C Justino,Luciana Bertoldi Nucci,Carla Cristina Enes

doi:10.1590/1806-93042020000300004

Maraísa I C Justino, Luciana Bertoldi Nucci + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-93042020000300004

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Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate self-perceived body image and body satisfaction of adolescents and their associated factors. Methods: across-sectional study carried out with 200 adolescents from a non-govern-mental organization of Campinas-SP. Self-perceived body image was assessed using a scale of silhouettes and body satisfaction by body areas. Association between sociodemographic and anthropometric data and body image and satisfaction were assessed by logistic regres-sion. Results: seventy percent of normal weight boys and 88% of girls wrongly perceived their nutritional status according to the objective standards. The prevalence of body dissatisfac-tion was 76.5%. Twenty-two percent of adolescents reported dissatisfaction with their body shape. Self-perceived body image was associated with nutritional status (OR= 0.25; CI95%=0.09-0.73), abdominal obesity (Waist/Height ratio- WHR) (OR=26.57; CI95%=3.98-177.18), and gender (OR=2.65; CI95%=1.16-6.05). Conclusions: we identified an important distortion and dissatisfaction with body shape. Girls, overweight/obese adolescents and those with abdominal obesity have more chance to this condition. These findings can subsidize actions that deal with the issue of acceptance of self-image, preventing more serious disorders that may directly affect the health of young-sters.

Highlights

Beauty has been extremely valued nowadays in society
We verified that approximately 66% of those who were of normal weight wished to gain weight indicating that boys perceived their body shape to be smaller than it really was, representing a self-image distortion
Body satisfaction assessed by body areas was higher among boys and among adolescents without abdominal obesity

Summary

Introduction

Beauty has been extremely valued nowadays in society. In this context, anincrease in people’s dissatisfaction with their own appearance, especially among women, has been identified.[1]Body image is the figure that one has on their anthropometric measurements, contours, and shape of the body; and the feelings correlated to these factors that affect the satisfaction with the body or specific parts of the body.[2]. Beauty has been extremely valued nowadays in society. In this context, anincrease in people’s dissatisfaction with their own appearance, especially among women, has been identified.[1]. Body image is the figure that one has on their anthropometric measurements, contours, and shape of the body; and the feelings correlated to these factors that affect the satisfaction with the body or specific parts of the body.[2] It is a multidimensional construct surrounded by the sensations and immediate experiences, involving a subjective component.[3] Several factors that influence body image can be derivate from physical, psychological, and/or environmental issue. There are factors related to the characteristics of each individual, such as age and gender, and those that are subjective as media, beliefs and values.[4]

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