Social media, traditional media, and other body image influences and disordered eating and cosmetic procedures in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the association between perceived sociocultural influences and the 3-month prevalence of disordered weight-control behaviors and lifetime prevalence of cosmetic procedures in four Asian countries, and if these associations were modified by gender. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in September 2020 among adults ages 18–91 years (N = 5294) in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong. The 3-month prevalence of disordered weight control behaviors ranged from 25.2 % (Singapore) to 42.3 % (Malaysia), while the lifetime prevalence of cosmetic procedures ranged from 8.7 % (Singapore) to 21.3 % (Thailand). Participants who perceived their body image to be influenced by sociocultural factors were more likely to engage in disordered weight control behaviors (RRs ranged from 2.05 to 2.12) and have cosmetic procedures (RRs ranged from 2.91 to 3.89) compared to participants who perceived no sociocultural influence. Men who were influenced by traditional or social media were more likely to engage in disordered weight control behaviors and have cosmetic procedures than similarly influenced women. The high 3-month prevalence of disordered weight control behaviors and lifetime prevalence of cosmetic procedures in Asia is concerning. More research is needed to develop effective preventive interventions in Asia for men and women to promote a healthy body image.