Abstract
Purpose. The present study aimed to explore the associations between body image concerns (BI), disordered eating (DE), health-related lifestyle, and the different domains of the quality of life (QoL) in a Lithuanian sample of student-aged men and women. Methods. A mixed-gender sample of students (N = 1850, 58.8% were women, average age 21.6 ± 5.0 years) completed a series of questionnaires, including health-related lifestyles, BI, DE, and QoL. A series of simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Mediation analyses were performed to estimate the size of the total, direct, and indirect effects of variables in the models. Results. The analysis of the linear regressions demonstrated that the positive trait of body areas satisfaction was associated with the significantly enhanced QoL in all domains in both genders (for men β = 0.29–0.34; for women β = 0.26–0.33; p < 0.001). DE was associated with a poorer psychological QoL domain in women only (β = −0.07; p = 0.047). The drive for muscularity was associated with a lower QoL in men (β = −0.06–(−0.141); p < 0.05). Body areas satisfaction mediated the associations between body mass index and psychological and physical QoL in both genders (TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.975; CFI (comparative fit index) = 0.997; RMSEA (Root of the Mean Square Error) = 0.053). Conclusions. Positive traits of BI play essential roles in the QoL of student-aged women and men. The present study adds empirical evidence emphasizing the importance of integrating education about positive body image while implementing healthy lifestyle and QoL promotion programs in student-aged men and women.
Highlights
Body image concerns and disordered eating are major health problems that persist from a young age into adulthood [1]
The physical activity score and binge drinking were more attributable to men students
There were no significant differences between the genders in the psychological and environmental quality of life (QoL) domains
Summary
Body image concerns and disordered eating are major health problems that persist from a young age into adulthood [1]. Research suggests that sociocultural pressures lead to the internalization of the thin and/or muscular/athletic body ideal and social comparisons [2,3]. Failing to adjust to a socially stereotyped body image leads to body dissatisfaction in men and women [2]. Body dissatisfaction is associated with disordered eating [1]. Body image concerns and eating pathology are associated with lower psychosocial functioning and an unhealthy lifestyle in young adults [1,4]. Young women desire to attain a thin body image. The drive for thinness in women is associated with various health compromising weight–reduction -related strategies such as dieting, Int. J. Public Health 2020, 17, 1593; doi:10.3390/ijerph17051593 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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