Body Image Research Articles

Can evaluative pairings of others’ bodies improve body dissatisfaction indirectly? A randomized-controlled online study with adult women

ObjectiveBody dissatisfaction is an important risk factor for developing eating disorders. This study investigated whether pairing images of normatively “healthy” weight bodies of women with positive stimuli, and images of bodies outside the healthy range (e.g., underweight) with neutral stimuli, could improve body dissatisfaction. MethodsWe compared behavioral and rating data from 121 adult women who participated in an online study and were randomly assigned to an intervention condition (in which healthy body mass predicted positive stimuli) or a control condition (with no contingency between body mass and stimulus valence). ResultsBehavioral data showed that women in the intervention condition, compared to the control condition, learned to associate healthy bodies with positive valence. Having learned to associate healthy bodies with positive valence, in turn, predicted reductions in body dissatisfaction. The intervention and control conditions were not directly associated with changes in body dissatisfaction. ConclusionLearning to associate healthy bodies with any positive stimuli could be a relevant mechanism for understanding and predicting improvements in women's body dissatisfaction. Further research is required regarding the impact of contingency learning on the evaluation of other bodies, and the selection of other bodies for body-related social comparison processes.

Making a Splash: A Closer Look at Early Specialization in Competitive Diving.

This review article explores the multifaceted aspects of early specialization in diving, focusing on its implications for injury prevalence, performance, and mental health. It highlights the increasing trend of early specialization driven by ambitions for collegiate and Olympic success, despite recommendations advocating for diversification. Divers are at risk for acute and overuse injuries, particularly during high-velocity water entries; however, data on injury patterns, especially among elite divers and early specializers, remains scarce. Recent data suggest a correlation between early specialization and reduced rates of certain injuries among youth divers, but distinguishing between acute and overuse injuries is crucial. Additionally, early specialization may pose mental health risks, with divers facing pressures related to performance, body image, and parental expectations. This article underscores the need for tailored guidelines to mitigate injury risks and promote holistic well-being among youth divers, recognizing the complex interplay between physical and psychological factors in sports specialization.

Exploring the effects of social media on body dysmorphic disorder among citizens of Bahrain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study assessed the relationship between social media use and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We calculated the prevalence of BDD in our sample and explored factors that may be associated with BDD. Various factors that we explored include sociodemographic characteristics, body image perceptions, and specific social media platforms used. The key focus of our study is understanding the impact of social media on mental health, specifically in the context of BDD.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional online survey that included the standardized Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ). Data on social media use were collected through self-reported usage patterns. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify associations.ResultsIncreased overall social media use was associated with BDD (p = 0.030). The prevalence of BDD in our sample was 1.8%. Age, being single and being a student were associated with BDD, with p values of 0.004, 0.023, and < 0.001, respectively. BDD was associated with comparing one’s body image with that of people on social media (p = 0.001). BDD was associated with judging other people based on their appearance (p < 0.001). Using social media in the fields of celebrities (p = 0.020), fashion (p = 0.025), music and songs (p < 0.001) were associated with BDD.ConclusionsIncreased social media use is associated with BDD, but different patterns of social media use may affect this relationship, indicating the need for further research in this field.

Correspondence to Thorup et al. Body image and depressive symptoms in Danish adolescents: A cross-sectional national study

Correspondence to Thorup et al. Body image and depressive symptoms in Danish adolescents: A cross-sectional national study

The bright side of sexting: A scoping review on its benefits

Sexting behaviour is mostly viewed from a negative perspective. In response to this negative perspective, and in line with calls for a shift towards a more sex-positive approach, this paper provides a scoping review of what is known about the benefits of sexting. Based on a thematic analysis of the content of 70 scientific papers on the benefits of sexting, three main themes were identified: 1) individual benefits resulting from the sexting act itself (i.e., sexual exploration and experimentation, sexual pleasure and non-sexual pleasure), 2) individual benefits resulting from the reaction of the sexting partner (i.e., body image and self-image, sexual agency and validation), and, 3) relational benefits of sexting (i.e., sexual and emotional connectedness, sexting as a way to build bridges). The benefits of sexting are linked to theoretical frameworks related to both the online and offline (sexual) worlds. This paper illustrates how sexting is an online extension of offline sexuality that includes both positive and negative aspects. It is important that also the benefits of sexting receive more attention in research and society, as this will contribute to healthier, more nuanced and more accurate discourses on sexting.

Corporal Filler HD, a Minimally Invasive Technique for Male Body Contouring: A Pilot Study.

The perception of body image is highly influenced by culture and society. Lean, more muscular, and strong bodies are usually pursued by men. Body aesthetics procedures have become popular, and minimally invasive procedures have been used to achieve body image satisfaction. This article describes a technique that utilizes hyaluronic acid filler to enhance muscular contours in the abdominal and pectoral regions. The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid filler at a level anterior to the pectoralis major and rectus abdominis muscles through marked entry points, creating an illusion of light and shadow that accentuates muscle definition. Additionally, the iliac region can be addressed to enhance the oblique muscles. The results are illustrated with pre- and postprocedure images, demonstrating a significant aesthetic improvement, high patient satisfaction, and absence of serious adverse events. This minimally invasive technique is suitable for patients with a low body fat percentage and a desire to enhance muscle definition, providing immediate results with no downtime. Although the scientific literature on filler applications in the thoracoabdominal region is limited, this study demonstrates that precision in minimally invasive procedures can yield highly satisfactory outcomes.

Neutron tomography and image registration methods to study local physical deformations and attenuation variations in treated archaeological iron nail samples

This study presents a preliminary examination of the effects of environment changes post-excavation on heavily corroded archaeological Roman iron nails using neutron tomography and image registration techniques. Roman nails were exposed to either a high relative humidity environment, or fast thermal drying as primary experiments to show the power of this imaging technique to monitor and quantify the structural changes of corroded metal artifacts. This research employed a series of pre- and post-treatment tomography acquisitions (time-series) complemented by advanced image registration methods. Based on mutual information (MI) metrics, we performed rigid body and affine image registrations to meticulously account for sample repositioning challenges and variations in imaging parameters. Using non-affine local registration results, in a second step, we detected localized expansion and shrinkage in the samples attributable to imposed environmental changes. Specifically, we observed local shrinkage on the nail that was dried, mostly in their Transformed Medium (TM), the outer layer where corrosion products are cementing soil and sand particles. Conversely, the sample subjected to high relative humidity environment exhibited localized expansion, with varying degrees of change across different regions. This work highlights the efficacy of our registration techniques in accommodating manual removal or loss of extraneous material (loosely adhering soil and TM layers around the nails) post-initial tomography, successfully capturing local structural changes with high precision. Using differential analysis on the accurately registered samples we could also detect and volumetrically quantify the variation in moisture and detect changes in active corrosion sites (ACS) in the sample. These preliminary experiments allowed us to advance and optimize the application of a neutron tomography and image registration workflow for future, more advanced experiments such as humidity fluctuations, corrosion removal through micro-blasting, dechlorination and other stabilization treatments.

Accelerated 3D multi-channel mapping at 7 T for the brain and heart.

To acquire accurate volumetric multi-channel maps in under 14 s whole-brain or 23 heartbeats whole-heart for parallel transmit (pTx) applications at 7 T. We evaluate the combination of three recently proposed techniques. The acquisition of multi-channel transmit array maps is accelerated using transmit low rank (TxLR) with absolute mapping (Sandwich) acquired in a time-interleaved acquisition of modes (B1TIAMO) fashion. Simulations using synthetic body images derived from Sim4Life were used to test the achievable acceleration for small scan matrices of 24 × 24. Next, we evaluated the method by retrospectively undersampling a fully sampled library of nine subjects in the brain. Finally, Cartesian undersampled phantom and in vivo images were acquired in both the brain of three subjects (8Tx/32 receive [Rx]) and the heart of another three subjects (8Tx/8Rx) at 7 T. Simulation and in vivo results show that volumetric multi-channel maps can be acquired using acceleration factors of 4 in the body, reducing the acquisition time to within 23 heartbeats, which was previously not possible. In silico heart simulations demonstrated a RMS error to the fully sampled native resolution ground truth of 4.2° when combined in first-order circularly polarized mode (mean flip angle 66°) at an acceleration factor of 4. The 14 s 3D maps acquired in the brain have a RMS error of 1.9° to the fully sampled (mean flip angle 86°). The proposed method is demonstrated as a fast pTx calibration technique in the brain and a promising method for pTx calibration in the body.

Determinants of malnutrition among adolescent females of age 15–19 years in an urban slum of Raipur city

ABSTRACT Context: Adolescent girls suffer the brunt of malnutrition due to increased nutritional needs to facilitate rapid growth spurt including menstruation and increased physical activity. This vulnerable group has low social power and is subjected to peer and social pressures related to body image and weight. All these factors along with the sociocultural milieu may lead to a spectrum of nutritional problems in them. Aims: To determine factors associated with malnourishment among adolescent females of age 15–19 years in an urban slum of Raipur City. Settings and Design: The study setting was the urban field practice area of the institute in Raipur. The study was an analytical cross-sectional study done from January 2022 to June 2023 among 401 adolescent girls of age 15–19 years. Methods and Material: The sampling was done using the consecutive sampling method. The study tools used were a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and details of the respondents, anthropometric measurements, dietary assessment using the 24-hour food recall method, and food consumption patterns using a food frequency questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square test of significance was applied to find the association between malnourishment with the input variables. For calculating the strength of the association, the odds ratio was estimated for those variables with P value &lt; 0.2 in the Chi-square test, and later the odds ratio was adjusted for confounding with the same variables, using multivariable logistic regression. Results: According to BMI-for-age Z scores, 2% were severely thin (&lt; −3 SD), 9.7% were thin (−3 to − 2 SD), 5% were overweight (1 to 2 SD), and 1.5% were obese (&gt;2SD). While measuring the height-for-age Z scores, 5.5% had severe stunting and 21.9% had moderate stunting. Those respondents with educational status of high school or below [AOR 3.5 (1.8–6.8), P &lt; 0.001] and those who did not consume a non-vegetarian diet [AOR 2.1 (1.1–4.1), P = 0.02] had significantly higher adjusted odds of being undernourished (severely thin or thin) as compared to those with educational status above high school and those who consumed a mixed diet, respectively. The respondents who are currently not going to school/college had significantly higher adjusted odds [AOR 2.2 (1.2–3.8), P = 0.007] of being stunted when compared to those who are attending school/college. Conclusions: The significant levels of malnutrition observed in this study among late adolescent girls aged 15–19 years—11.7% undernourishment, 6.5% overnourishment, and 27.4% stunting—highlight the concerning vulnerability of this population. The higher prevalence of stunting throws light onto the chronicity of malnutrition. As seen from the significant associations, proper education, and a mixed diet will help nurture a healthy female adolescent population.

Organoleptic Characteristics of Food Bars with Substituted Tempeh and Tofu Waste as Snacks for Obese Adolescents

The nutritional issues among adolescents included both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition was generally caused by low energy intake from food compared to the energy burned by the body, while overnutrition occurred when energy intake exceeded energy expenditure. These nutritional problems also influence adolescents' body image. This research aimed to develop food bar products made from tempeh and tofu waste as snacks for obese adolescents. The research process began with the preparation stage of raw materials, including drying tofu waste. Subsequently, food bars were made using three formulas: F1 (60% dried tofu waste and 40% tempeh), F2 (70% dried tofu waste and 30% tempeh), and F3 (80% dried tofu waste and 20% tempeh). The third stage involved organoleptic testing with 30 untrained panelists, using a preference test for attributes of texture, color, aroma, and taste, with a hedonic scale ranging from 1 (dislike extremely) to 4 (like extremely). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Duncan's Test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the panelists preferred food bar product F3 based on texture, color, and aroma attributes, while, F1 received the highest rating. Overall, F3 was deemed the most favored. The conclusion of this study indicated that the recommended food bars as snacks for obese adolescents were F3 (80% dried tofu waste and 20% tempeh), with an average liking score of 3 (like).

“Change needs to start at home”: A reflexive thematic analysis of girl athletes' and coaches’ experiences of body image in New Delhi, India

Despite the physical, psychological, and social health benefits of sport participation, multiple barriers keep girls and women on the margins of sport in India. Further, body image concerns are implicated globally as a hindrance to sports engagement among adolescents but are rarely acknowledged in India. Due to a lack of research, the unique restrictions to sport participation faced by girls in India are yet to be understood. Drawing on the Sociocultural Theory of Body Image, this study explored the intersection of body image and sports from the perspectives of Indian athletes and coaches. Twelve athletes (girls aged 11–17 years; football n = 6, netball n = 6) and six coaches (football n = 3, netball n = 3) from New Delhi, India, participated in semi-structured focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was used and we formulated three themes: 1) “To Do What We Love, We Must Struggle”; 2) “What Will People Say?”; and 3) “Hold On To Your Power, Be You”. The themes provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences of athletes and coaches on and off the playing field. The findings shed light on several individual and systemic factors, such as harassment, societal norms, feelings of empowerment, and internalising appearance ideals, that impact girls’ engagement with sport in New Delhi, India. Methods to improve sports engagement, discrepancies between athlete and coach perspectives, and recommendations for sports organisations to combat body image concerns and improve sports uptake among girls in an Indian setting are discussed.

Differences in Body Mass Index, Physical self-concept, and self-confidence in adolescent boys and girls

Background and Study Aim. Adolescence is characterized as a critical stage in the development of health-related habits, whose importance extends beyond this period, as they predict health-related behaviors in adulthood. The main objective of this study was to analyze differences in body mass index, physical self-concept, and self-confidence of adolescent boys and girls. Materials and Methods. This is a comparative research. The population in this study was adolescents aged 13-19 years with a random sampling technique of 94 people (male 53, female 41). Inclusion criteria for adolescent students in this study include the absence of any disease-related limitations. The instruments used were Body Mass Index, Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP), and a self-confidence questionnaire. The statistical analysis technique used the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 software. The level of statistical significance was set at p-value &lt; 0.05. Results. The results of the analysis showed that: (1) Body Mass Index of adolescent girls is higher than boys (p-value &lt; 0.05). (2) Physical Self-Concept of adolescent girls is higher than that of boys (p-value &lt; 0.05). (3) Self-Confidence of adolescent boys is better than that of girls (p-value &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. The results of this study are expected to be a guideline for schools and health agencies to pay attention to the psychological health conditions of adolescents. Adolescents are expected to improve their body image with a confident attitude in order to avoid psychological problems.

State gender variability and body satisfaction among sexual minority men

Prominent theories of gender suggest that gender can be variable, rather than static. For example, a person may experience changes in their masculinity and femininity in daily life, which we refer to as ‘state gender variability.’ Theory and research suggest that the degree to which masculinity and femininity fluctuate may have implications for body satisfaction. In this study, we analysed intensive longitudinal data to gain nuanced insights into how masculinity and femininity vary in everyday life among a sample of majority cis-gender sexual minority men. We first present a comprehensive descriptive analysis of gender variability. Second, we test whether individual differences in gender variability are associated with body satisfaction. Masculinity and femininity were moderately stable, with substantial within-person variability. Masculinity and femininity tended to be more variable than state body satisfaction and negative affect. Further, variability and instability in masculinity were associated with lower body satisfaction. Conversely, variability in femininity was associated with higher scores on body satisfaction. Our study contributes to a growing literature examining the implications of masculinity and femininity for sexual minority men’s body image and opens up new lines of inquiry focused on state gender variability.

Thematic and intertextual analysis from a feasibility study of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music with clients in eating disorder treatment.

Eating disorders (ED) are characterized by serious and persistent disturbances with eating, weightcontrol, and body image. Symptoms impact physical health, psychosocial functioning, and can be life-threatening. Individuals diagnosed with an ED experience numerous medical and psychiatric comorbidities due to issues caused by or underlying the ED. Therefore, it is vital to address the complex nature of an ED, as well as the comorbid and underlying issues. This necessitates a psychotherapeutic approach that can help to uncover, explore, and support working through unresolved emotions and experiences. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is an in-depth music psychotherapy approach utilizing therapist-programmed music to support the client in uncovering and examining underlying and unresolved issues. The literature surrounding the use of GIM with clients in ED treatment is anecdotal and comprised primarily of clinical case studies. This secondary analysis, based on a descriptive feasibility study that integrated GIM sessions into the client's regular ED treatment and examined 116 transcripts from a series of sessions of eight clients. Thematic analysis of the transcripts identified nine subthemes and three themes that emerged. These themes include emotional landscape (feeling stuck, acknowledging emotions, and working through unresolved emotions), relationships (self, others, and eating disorders), and transformation and growth (finding strength, change, and empowerment). A short series of GIM sessions helped ED clients identify and address issues underlying the ED and to gain or reclaim a sense of self that enabled them to make choices for their life that support their recovery and sense of empowerment. Intertextual analysis revealed imagery indicative of the Hero's Journey. Further, how engagement in this embodied aesthetic experience stimulates perceptual, cognitive, and affective brain functions which are key in fostering behavioural and psychological change is explicated as it relates to ED treatment and recovery.

A Study on the Effects of Obesity Stress and Body Shape Awareness on Physical Aesthetics in Adult Women after the Pandemic through Self-efficacy

This study investigated the relationship between obesity stress in adult women after the pandemic and body image awareness and the mediating effect of self-efficacy. The survey was conducted from June 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, and the study sample was adult women in their 20s to 50s nationwide, with a convenience sample of 704 people used as the final analysis data. In summary, it was found that factors of body shape awareness such as awareness of obesity, body shape awareness, and weight control behavior increased due to factors of obesity stress such as surrounding awareness, negative behavioral emotions, and disease concerns due to weight gain after the pandemic. It can be interpreted to mean that there is a relationship between obesity stress and body shape awareness. Self-efficacy was shown to play a mediating role in body shape awareness and physical beauty consciousness of adult women’s obesity stress. These results show that although obesity stress increased after the pandemic, the more positively one recognizes one’s body shape, the more self-efficacy, which is the ability to solve one’s own problems and overcome obstacles, is increased, which helps one live a beautiful and healthy life. In addition, it was confirmed that the improvement of self-efficacy in adult women played a mediating role as a catalyst. Through this study, we hope to help solve the social disease of obesity by developing a more systematic program and active education so that people can pursue health and beauty by themselves and prevent the yo-yo phenomenon and its side effects through correct body shape recognition, body shape satisfaction, and weight control behavior through correct body shape recognition and self-belief or faith. We also hope to help solve the social disease of obesity by developing a more systematic program and active education so that people can pursue health through dieting.

Body image facets as predictors of muscularity-oriented disordered eating in women: Findings from a prospective study

Muscularity-oriented disordered eating (MODE) is becoming increasingly common among women and is characterized by dietary alterations (e.g., blending meals into liquid form to increase caloric intake) aimed towards gaining lean muscle. In light of the mental health risks associated with these pathological eating behaviors, understanding factors that influence women’s engagement in MODE is essential for preventative efforts and for informing etiological models. Body image is a possible factor that may influence MODE in light of evidence of cross-sectional associations and its importance as a key risk factor for thinness-oriented disordered eating. However, research is yet to test for prospective relationships between the various components of body image (i.e., body dissatisfaction, body appreciation) and MODE, which was the aim of this study. Adult women completed the online study measures at baseline (Time 1 [T1]; n = 1760) and three-month follow-up (Time 2 [T2]; n = 1208). A series of univariate regressions revealed that all body image facets (i.e., preoccupation, overvaluation, dissatisfaction, body image appreciation and feeling fat) at T1 significantly predicted MODE at T2. However, multivariable models revealed that only preoccupation and body appreciation uniquely predicted MODE at T2, with a positive relationship observed for preoccupation and a negative one for body appreciation. This is the first study to establish temporal relationships between distinct body image facets and MODE. Pending replication, findings highlight possible targets for addressing MODE in women.

Mediating role of self-esteem on university students’ physical activity attitude and frequency

Background and Study Aim. The health benefits of physical activity are well-known. Despite this, there is an ongoing decline in total physical activity (PA), especially among adolescents and young women. This decline points to the need to find more effective solutions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and attitudes toward physical activity, and also between self-esteem body image (as subjective variables) and body mass index (as an objective variable). Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study measured and investigated 152 female students from various faculties in their first and second years of study at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. The research utilized direct anthropometrical measurements and several self-reported instruments. These included questionnaires on self-esteem body image, physical activity attitude, and a report on the frequency of physical activity. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Results. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) value of 20.89 kg/m² indicates a healthy, normal BMI. The mean self-esteem score (31.48) falls within the normal range, but 60% of respondents could not match their actual body shape with their ideal or desired body image. 54% of respondents reported engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity, three times a week, outside the university program. As a result, the mean value of the attitude towards physical activity is slightly positive. 33% of young women's self-esteem is related to physical factors such as body image, frequency of physical activity, and attitude towards physical activity. Conclusions. The study indicates that targeted physical education programs and consistent, independent physical activity can mitigate the challenges associated with the investigated variables. Moreover, self-esteem significantly mediates the relationship between body image and physical activity frequency, as well as students’ attitudes toward physical activity.

ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES

The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of dissatisfaction with body image—defined as the dissatisfaction resulting from the difference between the desired silhouette and the perceived one—among Fit Kid athletes. The study compared data based on age ranges and levels of competition and examined the possible association between higher weight and BMI with increased concern for body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used, and data were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. The main findings reveal a higher degree of body image dissatisfaction at the highest level of competition (national level) and among athletes with higher BMI and weight. Specifically, the factor with the highest scores was body dissatisfaction with the lower body. This suggests a higher risk of body image issues in late adolescence and at higher competitive levels, as well as among athletes with higher BMI values. These findings could offer valuable insights for coaches, who might address these issues through collaboration with nutritionists and sports psychologists.

Space for Self-Care? Adolescents’ Rationales for Being Physically Active

Guided by Foucault’s theorization of power, self and strategies for self-care, the study aimed to characterize adolescents’ rationales for being physically active as the outcome of their negotiations with dominant discourses. Using stratified random sampling method, a sample of 291 adolescents (female = 161, age 11–14) was selected from 24 middle schools. With the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) rates ranging from 22% to 78%, the schools were drawn from six school districts that served urban, suburban, and rural communities. Photo-elicited semi-structured interviews were conducted. Discourse analyses were performed on the interview transcripts. Students identified health, body image, and physical capacities, in this order of significance, as leading rationales for physical activity participation. The finding indicates that students had been heavily influenced by dominant discourses, especially healthism, discourse on body image, and athleticism/ablism. Nevertheless, most students’ rationales for physical activities did not contain stereotypical and judgmental binary ideals based on which these dominant discourses were constructed. A small number of students demonstrated the potential of engaging self-care practices—reflectively and flexibly adopting discourses for their own needs. The findings suggest educators and practitioners help adolescents to disrupt the discourses of binaries for self-care.

Association Between Maternal Weight Perception Before and During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Status in Southern China.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication after childbirth. Weight misperception can lead to self-esteem issues and mental health problems, especially in women and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between weight perception before and during pregnancy and the status of PPD in Southern China. From October 2021 to November 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit 2169 eligible mothers aged 18-49 who had delivered live-born singleton infants within 3 to 180 days postpartum. Anthropometric measurements and face-to-face questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect data. The Kappa test was used to assess the agreement between actual and perceived weight. The generalized linear model incorporating multiplicative interaction analysis was applied to explore the associations among variables. The prevalence of PPD status was 18.0%. Among women, 35.2% perceived their pre-pregnancy weight (PPW) as abnormal, while 33.1% perceived their gestational weight gain (GWG) as inappropriate. There was poor agreement between maternal actual and perceived PPW/GWG (Kappa = 0.366, p < 0.001; Kappa = 0.188, p < 0.001), with 27.8% of women misperceiving their PPW and 52.1% misperceiving their GWG. The results of the general linear model indicated that women who perceived their PPW as underweight (β = 0.70, p = 0.016) or overweight/obese (β = 0.86, p < 0.001), as well as those who perceived their GWG as excessive (β = 0.47, p = 0.028) were more likely to exhibit PPD status. The interaction analysis results showed that those who perceived their PPW as underweight and their GWG as insufficient (β = 1.75, p = 0.020), as well as those who perceived their PPW as overweight/obese and their GWG as excessive (β = 0.90, p = 0.001) had a positive interactive effect on the occurrence of PPD status, while underestimating PPW and GWG may be a protective factor against PPD status (β = -1.03, p = 0.037). These findings support that maternal weight perception plays a role in the development of PPD status. Further improvement is needed in personalized health education for weight management, both prior to and throughout the pregnancy period. This can help women reduce weight anxiety, better understand their body image, and potentially lower the risk of developing PPD.