Editing selfies, eroding satisfaction: Random-intercept cross-lagged panel analyses of bidirectional links between photo-editing behaviors and body satisfaction in women.

Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are complex, distressing and debilitating disorders that affect a significant proportion of adolescents. Maladaptive beliefs about eating and body image are well-established cognitive risk factors for the development and maintenance of EDs; therefore, targeting these beliefs is an important component of prevention programs. This randomized trial evaluated the effects of a cognitive behavioral framework-based mobile application designed to reduce vulnerability to EDs by targeting associated maladaptive beliefs. A non-clinical sample of adolescents (n=93; Mage=13.9; 56 girls) was randomized to use a mobile application targeting maladaptive beliefs related to EDs for approximately 5min a day during a 2-week period. The non-active control group used the same app, for the same period of time but with neutral content. Maladaptive belief related to EDs, ED symptoms, body satisfaction and self-esteem were measured at baseline (T1), immediately after two weeks of mobile application use (T2), and at 1-month follow-up (T3). Data obtained indicated that relative to those in the control condition, adolescents that used the application demonstrated a decrease in some ED-related maladaptive beliefs and symptoms. These effects were small-to-medium size and were maintained at 1-month. No significant effects were found regarding depression, body satisfaction or self-esteem. These results underscore the potential usefulness of brief, low-intensity, mobile interventions in reducing vulnerability to EDs in the adolescent population.

Pilot test of a brief single-session body functionality appreciation audio meditation: Efficacy of focused and multitasking formats.

A mixed-methods systematic review of the impact of yoga on body image outcomes among children and adolescents.

Autologous breast reconstruction using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is recognized as the gold standard in post-mastectomy reconstruction. Beyond restoring breast volume, DIEP flap techniques may also contribute to overall body aesthetics and psychological recovery, especially when combined with abdominal contouring and contralateral symmetrisation procedures. This paper aimed to evaluate clinical, aesthetic, and psychological outcomes of immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with a specific focus on global body image, satisfaction, and Appearance Investment (AI), exploring the concept of a "DIEP Mommy Makeover" approach. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 73 patients undergoing immediate DIEP flap reconstruction between 2019 and June 2024. Outcomes were assessed using validated tools: BREAST-Q (breast satisfaction), BODY-Q (body and abdominal satisfaction), and ASI-R (Appearance Investment) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Multivariable regression analyses identified predictors of outcomes. Significant improvements were observed across all BREAST-Q and BODY-Q domains at 12 months (p < 0.001). AI scores increased from 41.2 ± 11.8 to 61.3 ± 13.2 (p < 0.001). Combined contouring procedures and NAC reconstruction were strong positive predictors, while complications, radiotherapy, and higher BMI negatively influenced outcomes. Immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction, when integrated with aesthetic procedures, offers holistic benefits beyond oncologic restoration. The "DIEP Mommy Makeover" approach enhances patient satisfaction with body image and self-perception, underscoring the importance of aesthetic considerations in reconstructive planning to support both physical and psychological recovery.

Self-Esteem and Body Satisfaction After Radical Orchiectomy With or Without Testicular Prosthesis: A Retrospective Study at a Mexican Tertiary Center

Body dissatisfaction is a key risk factor in eating disorder development: It is theorized to promote dietary restriction, thereby contributing to symptom onset. Evidence for this pathway primarily comes from cross-sectional or multi-wave questionnaire studies in bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN). Fewer studies have tested day-to-day links between body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction, which would indicate their temporal relationships. Using a daily diary design, we examined prospective day-to-day associations between these two symptoms across four eating disorder (ED) groups and a non-ED control group (CG). One hundred eighty one female participants (14-60 years; M = 28.2, SD = 11.4) were recruited from German-speaking countries (96% German or Austrian nationals). The sample included patients with BN (n = 40), binge-eating/purging type AN (ANbp, n = 23), restricting type AN (ANr, n = 24), binge-eating disorder (BED, n = 36), as well as a non-ED CG (n = 58). Daily body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction were assessed on eight consecutive evenings. Day-to-day associations were tested using multilevel (mixed-effects) lagged regression models. In patients with BN and ANbp, days with higher body dissatisfaction preceded days with higher dietary restriction. This association was not observed in patients with ANr, BED, or in the non-ED CG. Dietary restriction did not predict next day's body dissatisfaction. Prospective links between body dissatisfaction and restriction mainly characterize patients with BN and ANbp. Hence, intervention targets at both the group level and the symptom level (body dissatisfaction rather than dietary restriction) seem necessary. In these subgroups, intervening on days characterized by high body dissatisfaction may help reduce dietary restriction on the following day.

Abstract Background: Body image has become an important psychological and social concern in recent years, especially due to media influence, comparison with others, and appearance-based self-image. Research Gap: Most existing research on body image is based on Western perspectives, where the self is mainly understood in relation to the physical body. These approaches focus on improving body satisfaction but do not question the deeper assumption that the self is equal to the body. Objective: The present study aims to explore the concept of self and body image from the perspective of Indian Knowledge System, particularly through the teachings of Ashtavakra Geeta. Methodology: This study uses a qualitative content analysis method. Data has been collected from classical texts like Ashtavakra Geeta along with previous research papers, books, and journals. Findings: The findings suggest that Indian Knowledge System offers a vast understanding of self, where the self is seen as pure awareness rather than the physical body. The Ashtavakra Geeta provides a strong foundation for understanding that identifying oneself only with the body leads to body image issues. This perspective can contribute to modern discussions on body image and mental well-being, especially among youth facing emerging psychological challenges.

This study aimed to evaluate orthorexic tendencies in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared to healthy controls and to investigate the associations between orthorexic tendencies, body appreciation, and mood-related symptoms. This cross-sectional study included 128 participants (64 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and 64 healthy controls). Femoral neck and L1-L4 T-scores and bone mineral density (BMD) values were obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements performed within the previous six months. Orthorexic tendencies were assessed using the Orthorexia Nervosa Scale-11 (ORTO-11), symptoms related to depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and body satisfaction was assessed using the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). ORTO-11 scores were significantly lower in the osteoporotic group compared to healthy controls (p = 0.041), indicating more pronounced orthorexic tendencies. Although the prevalence of clinically significant orthorexic tendencies (ORTO-11 ≤ 27) was higher in the osteoporotic group (68.8%) than in controls (54.7%), this difference did not reach statistical significance. ORTO-11 scores showed positive correlations with lumbar spine T-scores (r = 0.202, p = 0.022) and BMD values (r = 0.210, p = 0.017), whereas no association was observed with femoral neck measurements. Orthorexic tendencies were not correlated with anxiety, depression, or body appreciation scores. In contrast, depressive and anxiety symptoms were negatively correlated with body appreciation. Orthorexic tendencies may be more common in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. These findings suggest that maladaptive healthy eating behaviors may be present in this population.

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examines how media pressure, feminist beliefs, and body image interact among well-educated young adult women in China, a demographic navigating a complex communication environment where globalized fit body ideals are reframed through state-led health media and consumerist social platforms. Data from 291 participants were analyzed using a moderated mediation model to test how feminist beliefs shape the pathway from perceived media pressure to body satisfaction. Findings revealed that the negative association between media pressure on body satisfaction was mediated by the internalization of both thin and fit ideals. However, feminist beliefs operated paradoxically: Stronger feminist identification heightened the cognitive internalization of media-promoted ideals yet conditionally buffered against their negative emotional impact. This protective effect dissipated at the highest levels of feminist beliefs. These results complicate the widely acknowledged view of feminism as a uniformly protective factor and highlight the cultural specificity of media influence in China’s hybrid communication ecology, where state biopower and neoliberal consumerism converge to shape women’s bodily self-understanding.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) alters hair distribution, a key aspect of gender transition. Transgender women often seek hair reduction, while transgender men typically desire increased hair growth. Previous studies relied on subjective hair assessments, with limited understanding of psychosocial effects. To investigate changes in terminal hair growth in transgender men and women (both lasered and non-lasered) using digital microscopy, and their relation to body image during the first 12 months of GAHT. In this longitudinal study, 36 participants (20 transgender men, 16 transgender women) initiating GAHT were assessed at baseline, and after 3 and 12 months of GAHT. Hair densities were measured using digital microscopy. Psychosocial outcomes were evaluated using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 and satisfaction questionnaires. After 12 months, transgender women showed significant reductions in hair density on the upper lip (-17 hairs/cm2, CI -32, -2), chin (-28 hairs/cm2, CI -47, -8), and upper abdomen (-6 hairs/cm2, CI -12,0), with no significant differences between lasered and non-lasered women. Transgender men exhibited significant increases on the upper lip (+21 hairs/cm2, CI 11-30), chin (+13 hairs/cm2, CI 3-24), upper (+17 hairs/cm2, CI 8-23) and lower abdomen (+20 hairs/cm2, CI 11-28), and thighs (+14 hairs/cm2, CI 7-21). Both groups reported improved body appreciation, satisfaction with hair growth, and gender congruence. GAHT induces measurable, location-specific changes in terminal hair growth in transgender women and men, accompanied by improvements in body image and satisfaction. Digital microscopy provides a valuable tool for future studies comparing GAHT regimens.

ObjectivesSocial media emphasize appearance ideals, and their use may be associated with body dissatisfaction. To date, however, data on the relationships specific to certain platforms such as dating apps are scarce, as are cross‐country comparisons and studies including men. Thus, this study examined the relationship between social media and dating app use and body image among young adults across eight countries and considered gender and country as potential moderators.MethodsA sample of 5933 young adults (mean age = 21.54 years; 67.6% female) from Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States completed an online survey. Mixed‐effects regression models tested the effects of time on social media and dating apps on body image outcomes.ResultsLonger time on social media was associated with lower body satisfaction and body appreciation, and a higher drive for leanness, thin‐ideal internalization and appearance comparison. Longer time spent on dating apps was associated with lower body appreciation and appearance comparison, and a higher drive for muscularity. The associations between time spent on social media, dating apps and drive for muscularity were stronger for men than for women. Few variations across countries emerged.ConclusionsGreater social media and dating app use may be related to poor body image and related indicators across countries, particularly among young men.

ABSTRACT Youth today are exposed to a variety of body image themes in entertainment fiction narratives, including both positive (e.g. characters expressing body acceptance) and negative themes (e.g. promotion of unrealistic body ideals). However, the impact of heterogeneous body image themes in narratives (i.e. those including both positive and negative body image themes) remains unclear. This study explored how youth interpret such narratives and how their interpretations affect state body image (e.g. state body satisfaction). Using a between-subjects survey experiment, 302 participants (16–30 years old, M age = 21.90, SD = 4.25, 76.5% girls/women) were randomly assigned to view video clips with exclusively positive, exclusively negative, heterogeneous, or no body image themes. Exposure to positive body image themes led to the formation of positive interpretations, which in turn increased body satisfaction. Conversely, exposure to negative body image themes resulted in negative interpretations, but also unexpectedly triggered positive interpretations. The latter contributed to increased body satisfaction. For heterogeneous body image narratives, both positive and negative interpretations emerged, with positive interpretations relating to higher body satisfaction. However, this indirect effect was observed only among female participants. Overall, these findings highlight the need for further research into how heterogeneous body image content influences youth’s body image.

The impact of fitness and supplement TikTok content on body, nutrition and fitness satisfaction, and intentions to use muscle-building substances in young men.

ABSTRACT Body image dissatisfaction and distortion are common in contemporary culture, often beginning in childhood, and continuing in adolescence and adulthood. Proper evaluation of body image may predict and prevent physical and mental health issues in children and adolescents. Therefore, using reliable and standardized instruments is essential in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the reproducibility (reliability) of a mobile application developed to evaluate body image satisfaction in children and adolescents aged 5 to 14 years, by comparing it to the analog version of the Brazilian Silhouette Scale for Children and examining body satisfaction levels between sexes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools with 269 children and adolescents of both sexes from Midwest Brazil. Anthropometric characteristics and body image were calculated. The Brazilian Silhouette Scale was applied in both digital (mobile app) and analog formats. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for each age. Both versions of the scale showed moderate reliability for the total sample (ICC = 0.70 and 0.74), except for the 5- and 6-year-old group, which showed low reliability (ICC = 0.38). Over 70% reported body image dissatisfaction, and more than 40% wanted a smaller silhouette. Both versions of the scale showed moderate reliability. No difference in the level of body satisfaction was observed between the sexes across all ages. The findings indicate moderate reproducibility between the scale versions, with greater accuracy in evaluating older children and adolescents, as well as ease of administration and interpretation when using the app.

Excess weight significantly impacts body image perception. While research on body satisfaction in overweight and obese individuals is extensive, most studies report high dissatisfaction, especially among women. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a virtual reality (VR) intervention for improving body image perception among overweight and obese individuals and to examine gender differences. A total of 102 overweight and obese adults were recruited from the general community (Alicante, Spain) and randomized to the experimental (EG, n = 50) or control (CG, n = 52) group. The nutritional, anthropometric, body composition, clinical parameters and body self-image questionnaire (MBRSQ) scores were collected at baseline (Time 1) and postintervention (Time 2). Both groups received nutritional recommendations based on the Mediterranean diet (DM). Only the EG went through the 4D modelling machine, which showed the morphological changes of each participant over time through immersive VR. The results revealed that the EG improved in all the MBRSQ dimensions after the intervention, particularly in terms of the subjective importance of corporeality (SIC), physical fitness behaviors (BAMPF), and self-assessed physical attractiveness (SAPA). Significant gender differences emerged, with women exhibiting greater body dissatisfaction, greater body image concerns, and lower engagement in health-oriented behaviors. This study provides evidence of VR’s usefulness in improving body self-image perception and promoting healthier behaviors. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-based differences, as women experience greater societal pressures regarding body image. These findings highlight VR’s potential as a transformative tool for managing body image issues in individuals with excess weight. The study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07205029, registered on 30 September 2025).

Young women with psychiatric illness have an increased susceptibility for eating disorders (ED); however, no prevention initiatives have been tested for this group. The Body Project ED prevention program has produced promising effect on ED symptoms, body satisfaction, and future ED onset; however, no studies have investigated this specific vulnerable group. In SMILE Body Project, we adapted the Body Project manual to a psychiatric population. In this protocol paper, we describe the randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of the SMILE Body Project. This is an ongoing RCT including 300 young women between 15 and 30years with a psychiatric illness and subjective body dissatisfaction, starting May 2025. Participants are randomized to either online Body Project groups or an active control arm based on expressive writing exercises. The primary aim is to test if SMILE Body Project significantly reduces the incidence of ED in women with psychiatric illness after 2years compared to controls. The secondary aim is to explore changes in ED symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, QoL, and predictors such as psychiatric symptoms and time spent on social media. We expect that SMILE Body Project will effectively reduce the incidence of ED diagnosis compared to controls. In addition, we anticipate new knowledge on how time spent on social media affects body image in women with psychiatric illness. If SMILE Body Project proves efficacious, it has potential for implementation at low cost and may contribute to broad prevention of future ED onset among young women with psychiatric illness. NCT06893627.

Breast implant illness (BII) is an emerging but poorly defined clinical entity characterized by a constellation of systemic symptoms. While explantation is increasingly reported to improve outcomes, the temporal dynamics of symptom recovery remain insufficiently studied. We conducted a prospective single-center observational study of 20 women undergoing breast implant removal for suspected BII. Symptoms were categorized into four clusters-musculoskeletal, neurocognitive, constitutional, and dermatologic-and assessed at baseline and up to 24 months postoperatively using numeric rating scales. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also collected. Longitudinal changes were analyzed with mixed-effects models, and time-to-resolution was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. All symptom clusters demonstrated significant improvement compared with baseline (h < 0.01). Musculoskeletal complaints improved most rapidly, with substantial reductions by 3 months, followed by neurocognitive symptoms by 6 months. Constitutional fatigue improved more gradually, stabilizing by 12 months, while dermatologic symptoms showed the slowest trajectory, with maximal improvement between 18 and 24 months. Longer implant duration correlated with slower neurocognitive recovery (r = 0.41, p = 0.04), whereas implant type and surface texture showed no association with outcomes. PROMs demonstrated marked and sustained improvements in physical well-being and body satisfaction through 24 months. No major complications occurred. Explantation is associated with durable symptom relief in patients with suspected BII, though recovery trajectories differ by symptom cluster. Musculoskeletal and neurocognitive domains recover rapidly, while constitutional and dermatologic symptoms may require longer to resolve. These findings highlight the heterogeneous nature of BII and underscore the value of cluster-based outcome assessment for patient counseling and management. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between body satisfaction, health evaluation, and physical activity among university students. It investigated the mediating roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and tested whether body satisfaction moderates the relationship between health evaluation and these motivational pathways. The study aims to elucidate an integrated mind-body synergy framework for understanding health behaviors. A survey was conducted among 2016 Chinese university students (mean age 19.50 ± 1.57 years; 71.4% male) from November to December 2025. Participants completed the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, the Sport Motivation Scale, and the Physical Activity Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS v4.0 for mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation analyses. Structural equation modeling was performed using Stata 16.0. Body satisfaction and health evaluation were positively correlated with physical activity (r = 0.228, p < 0.01; r = 0.059, p < 0.01). Intrinsic motivation mediated the associations of both body satisfaction (indirect effect = 2.444, 95% CI [1.744, 3.257]) and health evaluation (indirect effect = 1.286, 95% CI [0.443, 2.208]) with physical activity. Extrinsic motivation also served as a mediator for body satisfaction (indirect effect = 0.774, 95% CI [0.321, 1.291]) and health evaluation (indirect effect = 0.924, 95% CI [0.427, 1.529]). Body satisfaction moderated the associations between health evaluation and both intrinsic (β = 0.031, p < 0.05) and extrinsic motivation (β = 0.041, p < 0.05), with stronger associations observed at higher levels of body satisfaction. The moderated mediation model demonstrated acceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.057, CFI = 0.921, TLI = 0.926). These findings suggest that health evaluation and body satisfaction are associated with physical activity through intrinsic and extrinsic motivational pathways, with body satisfaction potentially enhancing the motivational impact of health evaluation. The observed interplay between affective experience (body satisfaction) and rational cognition (health evaluation) may inform future health promotion strategies. Interventions that foster positive body image alongside health knowledge dissemination could potentially support physical activity engagement.

The complications of obesity are far beyond just physical health. We assessed body perceptions and satisfaction among adults with excess weight in the Kolkata metropolitan area. Evidence on body perceptions and satisfaction among adults with excess weight in India remains limited. We adopted a concurrent mixed methods design among adults aged 25–54 years with excess weight in the Kolkata metropolitan area. Quantitative data were collected through surveys from 120 participants using Likert-scale items and the Stunkard Figural Rating Scale. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and integrated during interpretation. Most participants expressed concern about their body weight, and a substantial proportion had inaccurate perceptions of their weight status. Visual body figures improved the accuracy of body size perception. Female participants demonstrated better awareness of their weight status and preferred slimmer body ideals compared to males. High levels of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem were commonly reported. Qualitative findings highlighted gender-based body disapproval and the influential role of media in shaping ideals of the ‘beautiful body’. Public health efforts should prioritise awareness, media literacy, and educational strategies that emphasise holistic health rather than appearance-focused ideals.