What I eat in a day videos: the influence of visual body cues on body dissatisfaction and eating intentions

Body image represents a multidimensional concept including body image evaluation and perception of body appearance. Disturbances of body image perception are considered to be one of the central aspects of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. There is growing evidence that body image distortion can be associated with changes in pain perception. The aim of our study was to examine the associations between body image perception, body dissatisfaction, and nociception in women with eating disorders and age-matched healthy control women. We measured body dissatisfaction and pain sensitivity in 61 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition diagnoses of eating disorders (31 anorexia nervosa and 30 bulimia nervosa) and in 30 healthy women. Thermal pain threshold latencies were evaluated using an analgesia meter and body image perception and body dissatisfaction were assessed using Anamorphic Micro software (digital pictures of their own body distorted into larger-body and thinner-body images). Patients with eating disorders overestimated their body size in comparison with healthy controls, but the two groups did not differ in body dissatisfaction. In anorexia and bulimia patient groups, body dissatisfaction (calculated in pixels as desired size/true image size) correlated with pain threshold latencies (r=0.55, p=0.001), while between body image perception (determined as estimation size/true image size) and pain threshold, no correlation was found. Thus, we demonstrated that in patients with eating disorders, pain perception is significantly associated with emotional contrary to sensory (visual) processing of one’s own body image. The more the patients desired to be thin, the more pain-sensitive they were. Our findings based on some shared mechanisms of body dissatisfaction and pain perception support the significance of negative emotions specific for eating disorders and contribute to better understanding of the psychosomatic characteristics of this spectrum of illnesses.

This study delves into the profound impact of social media on body image perceptions and overall dissatisfaction among young adults at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. In today's digital age, social media pervades the lives of young people, shaping their self-perceptions and influencing their social interactions. This research aims to understand how the constant exposure to curated and often idealized images on social media platforms contributes to the development of unrealistic body standards, fostering feelings of inadequacy and pressure to conform to societal beauty ideals. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study focused on a sample of 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 to 30 years. Data collection utilized systematic sampling techniques and involved the administration of questionnaires via Google Forms. The study drew upon Social Comparison Theory to understand how individuals evaluate their own appearance by comparing themselves to the seemingly flawless images and physiques presented on social media platforms. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings revealed a significant correlation between social media usage and body image dissatisfaction among young adults. Frequent comparisons with idealized images of influencers and celebrities on social media platforms were found to be a major contributor to negative body image perceptions, leading to a range of negative emotional and psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions that address the detrimental effects of social media on young adults' mental health. 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This paper discusses the relationship between young females' reading of the portrayal of models and celebrities in advertising in everyday life and their interpretation of distorted images of female body shape, as well as pathogenic dieting practices. I argue that pathogenic dieting practices (eating disorders) among young women are relevant to the influence of the mass media. In addition, given that young women's striving to conform to the ever-increasing stringent standards of female beauty ”ideals” results in females' body dissatisfaction and insecurity, I will point out that women's preoccupation with body dissatisfaction and insecurity socio-culturally constructed must be analyzed in a historical and political context. Moreover, eating disorders, once known as the ”golden girl syndromes” which struck mainly rich, white, well-educated women, have spread to women of different economic and ethnic backgrounds. Hence, I believe it is of vital importance to pay close attention to a growing number of young Asian women who are under the impact of Western culture having the problems of eating disorders. Finally, the significance of feminist pedagogy and intervention in females' perceptions of body image for women's mental health is also discussed.

The study examines the influence on body dissatisfaction of viewed images of bodies transmitted over mass media and social media, as mediated by the internalization of body ideals through media and self-discrepancy (the difference between the perceived actual self and the perceived ideal self). In this study, the images of bodies individuals view in their everyday media diet are estimated using a newly developed pictorial scale for women (thinness) and men (muscularity). For participants, the perceived body image is formed through mass media (magazines, TV) and social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat). The self-discrepancy theory is then used to explain the effect of images of bodies in the media on the internalization of these body ideals and body dissatisfaction. Results show that Facebook and YouTube shape body ideals perceived to be prevalent in the media, negatively influencing internalization and self-discrepancy. Self-discrepancy, in turn, increases body dissatisfaction. However, for males, the perceived body ideals in the media did not affect body dissatisfaction, internalization, or self-discrepancy. These results emphasize the importance of combining and comparing mass and social media and differentiating between female and male concerns regarding body image.

Background: Although the positive effects of sports on body image perception are well described in the literature, rhythmic gymnasts have been reported to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction and possibly eating disorders. The reason is that athletes engaged in aesthetic sports may be subject to greater pressure to be thin in order to adhere to the norms of that sport. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate body image perception and body composition in a sample of pre-menarcheal rhythmic gymnasts and to assess the influence of sport practice. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on a total sample of 135 girls: 64 were preadolescent rhythmic gymnasts (10.1 ± 1.8 years) divided into competitive and non-competitive athletes, while the other 71 schoolgirls (11.4 ± 0.3 years) were included as a control group. Anthropometric traits were directly collected, and BMI and body composition parameters were calculated. Body image perception and body image satisfaction were evaluated through body image indexes. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for age and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Anthropometric traits and body composition parameters varied significantly between gymnasts and controls and between competitive and non-competitive subgroups, especially when adiposity indicators were compared. In general, rhythmic gymnasts showed a perception of their body consistent with their anthropometric characteristics and low body dissatisfaction, with competitive girls choosing a thinner silhouette as their ideal. A new index, FIDSPORT, developed by us as a simple measure of what gymnasts believe is the ideal gymnast figure compared to their actual figure, reported higher dissatisfaction between their perceived body and the body considered ideal for their sport. Moreover, rhythmic gymnasts showed a desire for a skinnier body than the control group. Practice of rhythmic gymnastics and BMI were negatively correlated with general ideal figure. Conclusions: All participants wanted to be thinner, but the ideal body image of gymnasts was thinner than that of schoolgirls. In addition, as a result of body satisfaction transiency, the ideal gymnast body image showed even lower values than the general ideal body image. This trend was well quantified by the FIDSport when compared to the FID(Feel-minus-Ideal-Discrepancy).

Body Image and Televised Images of Thinness and Attractiveness: A Controlled Laboratory Investigation

Social media usage has become increasingly prevalent among young adults, particularly women, in recent years. The pervasive nature of social media platforms has raised concerns about their potential impact on body image perception and eating behaviours. Objective: To investigate the relationship between social media usage, body image perception, and disordered eating behaviours among young women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 262 female undergraduate students aged 18-21 years. Participants completed self- report questionnaires including the EDI-3, MBSRQ-AS, ASMC, and EAT-26. Spearman's rank correlation and regression analyses were performed to examine associations between variables. Results: Significant correlations were found between positive body image and body dissatisfaction (r=-0.68, p<0.001), social media behaviour and positive body image (r=-0.54, p<0.001), social media behaviour and body dissatisfaction (r=0.62, p<0.001), disordered eating behaviour and body image (r=-0.59, p<0.001), disordered eating behaviour and body dissatisfaction (r=0.71, p<0.001), and disordered eating behaviour and social media behaviour (r=0.66, p<0.001). Regression analysis confirmed the directionality of these relationships. Conclusion: The findings reveal a complex interplay between social media exposure, body image concerns, and unhealthy eating patterns in young female adults. Targeted interventions promoting positive body image and healthy social media habits are warranted to mitigate negative impacts on eating behaviours in this population.

BackgroundBody image perception depends on anthropometric and psychological factors. Body dissatisfaction is influenced by the socio-cultural environment and is associated with eating disorders and low self-esteem. This study examined the body image perception, the degree of dissatisfaction and the weight status perception inconsistency in relation to sex, weight status and amount of physical activity in a sample of university students.MethodsThe participants were 734 university students (354 females aged 21.5 ± 2.9 yrs and 380 males aged 22.1 ± 3.6 yrs) recruited from the second year of the Sport Sciences degree program. A self-administered questionnaire was used to acquire socio-demographic and sport participation information. Height, weight, BMI and weight status were considered for each subject. Body image perception was assessed by a silhouette matching technique. A new index, FAI (Feel status minus Actual status Inconsistency), was used to assess weight status perception inconsistency.ResultsA large proportion of the sample had normal weight status. On average, females chose as feel status a significantly higher figure than the males (4.7 versus 3.8) and they would have liked to have a significantly thinner figure than the males (3.4 versus 3.6). Therefore, the mean FID (Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy) values (positive in both sexes) were significantly higher in females than in males, meaning higher dissatisfaction. The mean FAI values were positive in females and negative in males, indicating a tendency of the women to overestimate their weight status and of the men to underestimate it. Men were more physically active than women. Less active women showed significantly lower body weight and BMI than more active women. Men less engaged in physical activity showed significantly higher FID than more active men.ConclusionsThese results show greater dissatisfaction and higher weight status perception consistency in females than in males among Italian university students examined. Our findings suggest that the FAI index can be very useful to evaluate the perceived weight status by body image in comparison to actual weight status assessed anthropometrically.

The aim was to expand the existing knowledge on adolescents’ body image and its connections with health (Body Mass Index, sleep activity), psychological (well-being, physical self-concept), and social (socio-economic status, diet) variables.
 246 students (130 boys, 116 girls), age range 13-15 years, enrolled in 10 schools participated. Seven days/24 hours, they wore accelerometers to monitor their activity, including sleep. Participants’ Body Mass Index was obtained and they completed several questionnaires. The results indicated that most participants had an adequate BMI, optimal Mediterranean diet and medium socioeconomic status. Sleep efficiency was above 92%. One quarter showed signs of psychological disorders. The majority (52,1%) chose an ideal body image thinner than the perceived one, 32,1% a similar one, and 15% a larger one. Most participants wanted a different figure, especially among females, but it did not vary depending on socioeconomic status or Mediterranean diet. Perceived body image and body image discrepancy were positively correlated with BMI. Negative relationships were observed between sleep efficiency and perceived body image and body image discrepancy. Sleep efficiency predicted both perceived body image and body image discrepancy, while sex predicted ideal body image. Participants with greater body image discrepancy showed lower levels of physical self-concept and psychological well-being.
 In conclusion, body image dissatisfaction had high prevalence among adolescents with negative implications on their psychological well-being and physical self-concept. BMI is a factor closely linked to adolescents’ body dissatisfaction. No connection was found between body image discrepancy and SES or Mediterranean diet. Finally, sleep efficiency predicted both perceived body image and body image discrepancy.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine body image satisfaction and perception according to weight status, and to investigate those associations with dietary habits and nutritional status among preadolescent children. Methods: Body image and dietary habits and intake were assessed in 134 elementary school students in grade 4. Children were categorized according to normal and overweight or obese groups. Figure rating scales were used to assess body image perception (identification of perceived current body size) and dissatisfaction (difference between perceived current body size and ideal body image). Results: There were sex differences in body image perceptions. Normal-weight girls, overweight or obese girls and boys were more likely to desire a leaner body size than their perceived body size compared with normal-weight boys. Body image satisfaction and perception showed an association with weight status. More overweight or obese children indicated dissatisfaction or underestimation of body image than normal-weight children. Children with body image dissatisfaction due to heavier perceived body size than ideal body image showed lower frequencies of consumption of meals and vegetables, compared to those who were satisfied with their body image. Children who underestimated their body image were more likely to have a lower frequency of breakfast and meal regularity and a higher frequency of eating out of home or food deliveries than those with accurate body image perception. In addition, body image underestimation showed an association with lower intakes of protein, dietary fiber and calcium, and the higher percentage of calories derived from fat. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction as well as underestimation in children before puberty showed an association with overweight or obesity, and was also related to unhealthy dietary habits. These findings highlight the importance of accurate perception and satisfaction with body image in preadolescent children in order to prevent development of obesity in adolescents and adults.

The study analyzed the differences between sexes in body image perception and body ideals to assess possible dissatisfaction and misinterpretation in the body image considered attractive for the other sex. Moreover, the influence of anthropometric traits and sports practice on body dissatisfaction and misjudgment was evaluated. Using a cross-sectional design, 960 Italian university students were investigated. Anthropometric characteristics were measured directly. Assessment of body image perception was performed using Thompson and Gray’s silhouettes. We developed two new indexes to assess the possible discrepancy between (1) the perceived silhouette of one’s body and that of the same sex deemed attractive to the other sex (FAD); (2) the silhouette is deemed attractive to the opposite sex and the average attractive silhouette selected by the opposite sex (AMOAD). As expected, females showed greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than males concerning both their own ideal and the silhouette they considered attractive to the opposite sex. Although both sexes misjudged the attractive silhouette for the opposite sex, women were found to be more wrong. According to the outcomes of multivariate regression models, stature, body composition parameters, amount of sport, sex, and FAD were significant predictors of dissatisfaction and misjudgment. In addition to action aimed at correcting misperceptions, the study revealed the importance of sports participation in improving the perception and acceptance of one’s body image.

Background Adolescents are a vulnerable group to body dissatisfaction that causes unhealthy attitudes and behaviours. It has been shown that many factors affect body image dissatisfaction. Aim To describe body image size perception, degree of body dissatisfaction, avoidance behaviours, and their relationship with gender, age, and weight status, and to assess the relationship between body dissatisfaction and avoidance behaviours among a group of Moroccan adolescents. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional survey was comprised of a sample of 487 adolescents. Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale was used to assess perceptions of current and ideal body image and body dissatisfaction. Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire was employed to assess avoidance behaviours. Results Body dissatisfaction was found to be strongly associated with weight status in both male and female adolescents. Avoidance behaviours were positively associated with gender, age, weight status, and body dissatisfaction. Indeed, avoidance behaviours were frequently reported among females, young adolescents, those with high BMI z-score, and those seeking to lose weight. Adolescents tended to behave under the influence of two factors: clothing and weighing-grooming. Conclusion Weight status is an important factor that deeply impacts adolescent body dissatisfaction. Adolescents resort to behaviour avoidance and physical appearance control to cope with body dissatisfaction.

Introduction: The collegiate environment may exacerbate body image issues and eating disorders (EDs) among dancers. This study seeks to evaluate the complex relationships between body image perceptions, risk of EDs, and nutrition knowledge among collegiate dancers. Methods: A convenience sample of collegiate dancers was recruited via announcements, flyers, and email to complete the Body Image Assessment Scale-Body Dimensions (BIAS-BD), anthropometrics, and an electronic survey evaluating ED risk (Eating Attitudes Test; EAT-26), nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits. Body distortion (perceived vs actual size) and dissatisfaction (perceived vs ideal size) were measured. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and t-tests for group and gender-specific data. Results: Thirty-eight collegiate dancers (82% female, 79% with a healthy BMI) participated in the body image assessment. Females (n = 31) exhibited body distortion (P = .006) with a mean BMI = 22.05, mean perceived BMI = 23.27, and a mean ideal BMI = 21.78. Body dissatisfaction was identified but not statistically significant. Males' perceptions of females' ideal BMI = 25.16 were significantly higher than the females' own perceptions (BMI = 21.78, P = .033). No significant body distortion or dissatisfaction was observed among males (n = 7). Female perceptions of the ideal male BMI = 23.96 aligned closely with males' self-views. On the EAT-26, females (n = 28) average score was 11.82, indicating higher risk than males (n = 4), whose average score was 7.75. High ED risk was identified in 18.75% of participants (EAT-26 scores ≥ 20). Nutrition knowledge was limited, with <50% correct responses. The majority sought dietary advice from peers (65.7%) or friends (57.1%), with 37.1% following restrictive diets (eg, vegan, pescatarian, lactose-free). Conclusion: Collegiate female dancers demonstrated body distortion and ED risk despite maintaining a healthy BMI. The limited nutrition knowledge, reliance on non-expert nutrition advice, and tendency towards restrictive eating patterns observed with increased ED risk is worrisome. Thereby necessitating educational interventions focused on nutrition and body image to maintain the dancers' health.

Body image is formed in childhood and adolescence and is influenced by socio-cultural situations and interpersonal relationships during life. When the characteristics of a subject's body do not correspond with the social models of beauty promoted by the media, body dissatisfaction (BD) appears, which is the set of negative emotions, thoughts, and attitudes towards the size and shape of one’s body. The objective of the present study is to know the body image perception (BIP) of Mayan adolescents and their relationship with body dissatisfaction and its nutritional status through the Body Mass Index (BMI) indicator. The population was of 292 students of the three grades of four secondary schools of the Municipality of Abala, Yucatan, between the ages of 12 and 17, from which 50.7% were men. The Body Image Perception analysis, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the BMI were used. It was found that 38.9% of the population had BIP in disagreement with their BMI, with a higher prevalence in under-estimation in the overweight and obese population, even though 16.7% of the population had body mass index in obesity. Only 18.2% had BD being higher in women (11.7%) between the ages 13 and 14, with a higher prevalence in those with normal BMI and BIP, which shows that the influence of social pressure towards body figure does not necessarily affect people who are overweight.

Social media (SM) is deeply integrated into daily life, shaping behaviors, routines, and identities. Young women are recognized as heavy users and are particularly influenced by digital influencers for social connection, lifestyle inspiration, and decision-making. This study aimed to examine the association between SM influencers and body image perceptions and to explore patterns of engagement with different SM platforms among young women in the UAE. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among female college students aged 18-35years using a non-probability sampling approach. The online questionnaire included the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), measures of SM use, types of influencers followed, and preferred SM platforms. A total of 423 participants completed the survey. Approximately 38.5% reported spending 3-5h daily on SM, and most followed influencers either sometimes (29.8%), often (29.3%), or always (24.8%). Overall, 67.7% agreed or strongly agreed that influencers affect their body image perceptions. Fashion and beauty influencers, food and lifestyle, travel and adventure, and fitness influencers were most frequently followed by participants, while environmental and sustainability influencers were least followed (15.6%). Instagram (72.8%) was the most used platform, followed by TikTok (70.7%) and Snapchat (69.7%). Nearly half (49.4%) of the participants exhibited high body dissatisfaction, with mixed satisfaction across different body areas. Following influencers was significantly associated with greater body dissatisfaction (OR=-0.096, p=0.043), and higher body weight and employment status were linked to lower body satisfaction. SM influencers significantly shape body image perceptions among young women in the UAE. Collaboration with public health educators may help promote body positivity and healthier attitudes. Encouraging fashion, beauty, and fitness influencers to share culturally relevant, health-promoting content could support realistic body image perceptions and enhance young women's well-being.