Desired Body Image Research Articles

Internalizacja popkulturowych wzorców atrakcyjności fizycznej przez użytkowników mediów społecznościowych – konteksty społeczno-kulturowe i edukacyjne

The article aims to present social media’s importance for internalizing the ideal body promoted in popular culture. Internalization of a culturally and socially desirable body image is associated with body image disorders, low self-esteem, and risky behaviors aimed mainly at reducing body weight among women and increasing musculature among men. The research presented in the article was conducted on 493 young adults via an online survey. In the group of women, the statistical analysis showed a correlation between the degree of agreement with the statement about the role of social media as a source of information about fashion and physical attractiveness and the preference for thinness. This result suggests the small body shape’s internalization by the surveyed women. It indicates the need for psychoeducational activities in the critical reception of media content and education in healthy attitudes towards one’s body.

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.

Why Acute Undernutrition? A Qualitative Exploration of Food Preferences, Perceptions and Factors Underlying Diet in Adolescent Girls in Rural Communities in Nigeria.

Adolescent girls are nutritionally vulnerable due to their rapid growth and increased nutrient requirements. Nigeria has the sixth-largest population in the world. This study qualitatively explored the food preferences, perceptions of nutritive value and factors underlying food consumption of adolescent girls in rural communities in Nigeria. The data were collected via the free listing of foods and focus group sessions conducted in the Hausa language with 48 unmarried adolescent girls. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using a deductive thematic framework. The mean age of the respondents was 13.0 ± 2.7, and almost half (48%) had a primary school education. A total of 19 and 23 foods were identified as preferred, and perceived as nourishing, respectively. The top 10 foods present on both free lists overlapped considerably in terms of cognitive salience. The focus group themes included nutrition knowledge, food preferences, autonomy, household food allocation, courtship practices, and agricultural landscapes and economic access. The participants had minimal knowledge of nutrients and food groups, and their preferred foods were limited in diversity. The key factors in food preferences were desirable health effects, sensory attributes, and the contribution of foods to a desirable body image for marriage. Household food choices depended on parents. Thus, a desire for independence was an incentive for early marriage, mostly at 13 to 17 years. Gender inequities in household food distribution (quantity) and animal protein intake were reported. The participants believed that boys need more food for strength to impregnate girls. As part of a courtship practice, the girls received gifts of animal source foods from potential suitors. The food options were limited by financial challenges and low agricultural diversity. To interrupt the cycle of inadequate food consumption and undernutrition in these adolescent girls, policy makers need to promote nutrition education and address the underlying determinants of inequitable access to nutritious foods.

Smartphone dependence predicts poorer mental health outcomes, eating behaviors, activity levels, and body image: A cluster analysis of Brazilian university students.

Excessive smartphone use has been linked to mental health impairments and may potentially alter human behavior. These effects are particularly pronounced among young individuals, with university students being especially susceptible to the negative influences of smartphone use. This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 781 Brazilian university students. We assessed socio-economic variables, smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, stress outcomes, eating behavior, body image satisfaction, and self-reported physical activity. MANOVA and Chi-square tests were performed to compare continuous and categorical variables between genders. K-means clustering was used to identify participant profiles based on various self-reported variables, with differences between clusters validated using the Z-test and the silhouette coefficient. Three clusters were identified. Cluster 1 featured participants with a significant disparity between their perceived and desired body image, higher scores on eating disorders, smartphone addiction, and mental health questionnaires, and lower engagement in physical exercise. Cluster 2 consisted of older participants who scored lower on smartphone addiction and mental health with a higher body mass index. Cluster 3 included younger participants with a smaller silhouette scale disparity, lower eating disorder scores, and lower body mass index. Smartphone addiction showed significant associations with eating disorders in overall eating disorders classification (X²=13.4; p<0.001), bulimic behavior (X²=20.0; p<0.001), and social pressure to eat (X²=4.3; p<0.001). It also negatively correlated with physical exercise (X²=5.7; p=0.017), but not with dieting concerns (X²=0.23; p=0.688). Smartphone addiction is associated with eating disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, and lower levels of physical activity.

Preliminary assessment of the degree of food addiction through the Spanish Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (S-YFAS-C) in a pilot pediatric population

IntroductionThe Spanish Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (S-YFAS-C) scale is the first tool adapted to Spanish to evaluate food addiction (FA) in the paediatric population. The aim of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the degree of FA in a non-clinical pilot paediatric population.Material and methodsA transversal observational study was performed on a convenience sample comprised of boys and girls aged 9 to 12 (4th to 6th year primary school). The main outcome measures were evaluation of FA (S-YFAS-C scale), child feeding attitudes (ChEAT scale) and evaluation of body image (CDRS scale). Moreover, sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the main characteristics of subjects and outcome measures was performed.ResultsA total of 21 boys and 24 girls were preliminarily evaluated and the minimum and maximum values obtained were for age (9.48–12.33), weight in kilograms (26.6–64.5), height in centimetres (131–163), BMI (14.2–27.9) and BMI Z-score (−1.36–2.66). The average number of FA symptoms measured with the S-YFAS-C scale is 1.67 ± 1.45 (range 0–7). A total of 20% of the sample shows three or more symptoms for FA, risk of developing a food disorder and distortion of the body image. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed between desired body image in boys and girls (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe S-YFAS-C scale enables evaluating food addiction in Spanish-speaking boys and girls. The data obtained in regard to quantifying symptoms are similar compared to the original scale (S-YFAS-C: 1.67 ± 1.45 vs. YFAS-C: 2 ± 1.81). The option to score the counting of symptoms is the most sensitive measure to evaluate subclinical food behaviours.

What is the Relationship among Actual Body Image, Desired Body Image and Body Mass Index in 7-12 Year Old Children?

What is the Relationship among Actual Body Image, Desired Body Image and Body Mass Index in 7-12 Year Old Children?

Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders.

Social agents associated with cheerleading environments are increasingly linked to body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (ED). This study examined ED risk across team type, squad type, and position. An additional purpose determined BID in clothing type (daily clothing, midriff uniform, and full uniform), and meta-perceptions from the perspective of peers (MP peers), parents (MP parents), and coaches (MP coaches). Female cheerleaders (n = 268) completed an online survey which included demographics, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and pathogenic behavior questions. Body image perceptions were assessed by using the Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes. Overall, 34.4% of cheerleaders (n = 268; mean age: 17.9 ± 2.7 years) exhibited an ED risk. Compared to All-Star cheerleaders, college cheerleaders demonstrated significant higher ED risk (p = 0.021), dieting subscale scores (p = 0.045), and laxative, diet pill, and diuretic use (p = 0.008). Co-ed teams compared to all-girl teams revealed higher means for the total EAT-26 (p = 0.018) and oral control subscale (p = 0.002). The BID in clothing type revealed that cheerleaders wanted to be the smallest in the midriff option (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.332). The BID from meta-perception revealed that cheerleaders felt that their coaches wanted them to be the smallest (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.106). Cheerleaders are at risk for EDs and BID at any level. Regarding the midriff uniform, MP from the perspective of coaches showed the greatest difference between perceived and desired body image.

On the image promotion on social media by polytechnic students in Nigeria

The research examined the reasons polytechnic students join social media such as Instagram and what they intend to learn from celebrities on Instagram in order to have their ideal body image for self-esteem. The study identified different measures polytechnic students used to achieve desired body image and the level of psychological effect Instagram posts have on their body image. The analysis is based on the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out in two higher institutions in Nigeria (N=600). The results revealed Nigerian students are highly conscious of their body image (91.2%), they employed different measures to achieve their desired body image, the rate at which Nigerian students patronized products advertised on Instagram to acquire ideal beauty standard is relatively high (61.5%) and finally, level of psychological effect of Instagram posts on body image is approximately high (88%).

패션 인스톨레이션에 나타난 신체 이미지 연구

Fashion installation is now going beyond simply being clothing installed and displayed by designers as it is moves in the new direction of connecting with art. As the categories of art, and more specifically fashion art, expand, fashion installation often conveys a symbolic concept and showcases aesthetic value in various ways. The body also shows important implications as a symbolic representation of the era. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the body image shown in fashion installation as this is significant for broadening the horizons of fashion installation. As a result of the study, a metaphorical body image, desired body image, and angry body image were derived from analyzing a number of fashion installations. It can be seen that the metaphorical body image criticizes social ideas or indirectly expresses an individual

Body image and obesity in children from public primary schools in Acapulco, Mexico: A cross-sectional study.

Childhood obesity is a global problem, causing social and psychological damage, as well as physical health risks. This study estimated the occurrence of body image dissatisfaction in primary schoolchildren aged 9-13 years and investigated its association with obesity and other factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted, for which 533 students attending three public primary schools in Acapulco were recruited. Students completed a facilitated self-administered questionnaire about their age, sex, socioeconomic level, body image satisfaction, and perception of their parents' body image. We registered anthropometry of the students and calculated body mass index (BMI). We examined the associations of BMI category and other factors with body image dissatisfaction, calculating the cluster-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. From the total number of participants, 75% (181/243) of girls and 73% (170/232) of boys were dissatisfied with their body image and wanted a slimmer body. About half were overweight or obese: 45% (121/271) of girls and 52% (135/262) of boys. Overweight or obese children were much more likely to be dissatisfied with their body image (cluster adjusted: 6.73; 95% CI: 5.42-8.36). No other factors were significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. One-third of the girls (32%, 86/271) and 17% (45/261) of the boys reported an underweight desired body image. The high level of obesity is a cause for concern and an even higher level of body image dissatisfaction as well. The high dissatisfaction among children suggests that boys, as well as girls in Mexico, may now be subjected to intense social pressure about desirable body image.

KAMPANYE CEGAH STUNTING, BANGSA SEHAT SEJAHTERA

According to Riskesdas2018, 3 out of 10 toddlers suffer from stunting. Stunting in early in later life periods in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and the elderly. Stunting hthe form of low learning achievement and reduced opportunities to get a good school. In a 22% reduction in the chance of getting good jobs compared to normal adults and metabolic syndrome is higher than normal adults. While short adolescents will gro consequences including giving birth to low birth weight babies and short, and the caesar (SC) is higher because of "Thepalo-pelvic disproportion". On one side of the Initiate early breastfeeding (IMD) and exclusive breastfeeding, even though breast development and development including preventing stunting. The stunting prevention December 14th at GOR Amongrogo Yogyakarta was carried out in collaboration wit (KSP), the Yogyakarta Health Office, Yogyakarta Health Polytechnic, CIMSA (the cent throughout Indonesia) and NA (Nasyiatul Aisyiyah), presenting approximately 500 campaign activities to prevent stunting. In this activity, it was reported as many as 2 adolescents, and 26.3% of adolescents stunted 29.8% of KEK adolescents and there were out of balance to achieve their desired body image. While overweight-obese in 26.7% and hypertension-hypertension 35.9%. In addition to anthropometric measures regarding reproductive health, mental health, food consumption, and nutritional statusABSTRAK:Menurut Riskesdas 2018, 3 dari 10 balita menderita stunting. Stunting pada awal kehidupan cenderung menetap menjadi stunting pada periode kehidupan selanjutnya baik pada masa kanak-kanak, remaja, dewasa dan lansia. Stunting membawa konsekuensi jangka pendek berupa prestasi belajar yang rendah serta berkurangnya kesempatan untuk mendapatkan sekolah yang baik. Pada jangka panjang, stunting menyebabkan berkurangnya 22% peluang untuk mendapatkan lapangan pekerjaan yang baik dibandingkan dewasa yang normal serta berpotensi menderita sindrom metabolic lebih tinggi dibanding dewasa normal. Sementara remaja yang pendek akan tumbuh menjadi WUS yang pendek dengan segala konsekuensinya termasuk melahirkan bayi BBLR dan pendek, serta risiko melahirkan dengan Secsio Caesar (SC) lebih tinggi karena “chepalo-pelvic disproportion”. Disatu sisi SC adalah risiko tingginya kegagalan inisiasi menyusu dini (IMD) dan ASI eksklusif, padahal ASI sangat penting bagi tumbuh kembang anak termasuk mencegah stunting. Kampanye cegah stunting yang diselenggarakan pada tanggal 14 Desember di GOR Amongrogo Yogyakarta, dilakukan atas kerjasama dengan Kantor Staf Kepresidenan (KSP), Dinkes DI Yogyakarta, Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, CIMSA (pusat kegiatan mahasiswa kedokteran se-Indonesia) dan NA (Nasyiatul Aisyiyah), menghadirkan kurang lebih 500 peserta untuk berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan kampanye cegah stunting. Pada kegiatan ini dilaporkan sebanyak 20,6% remaja overweight dan obese, dan 26,3% remaja mengalami stunting 29,8% remaja KEK serta masih banyak remaja yang diit tidak seimbang untuk mencapai body image yang mereka idam-idamkan. Sementara overweight-obese pada dewasa sebanyak 69,4%, pendek 26,7% dan prehipertensi-hipertensi 35,9%. Selain pengukuran antropometri, diadakan pula konseling mengenai kesehatan reproduksi, kesehatan mental, konsumsi makan dan status gizi

Body Weight, Obesity Perception, and Actions to Achieve Desired Weight among Rural and Urban Ghanaian Adults.

Background Accurate body weight perception is important to maintaining an ideal body weight. In Africa, a preference for a larger body size and its association with health and wellbeing has been well documented. It remains speculative if these perceptions have changed or improved and if differences exist among rural and urban dwellers. The main aim of this study was to assess the body weight and obesity perceptions among rural and urban Ghanaians. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 565 participants. The Stunkard figure rating scale was used to assess the body weight perception of participants. Participants were to choose from the scale figures they perceived to represent their current body weight, desired body weight, ideal body weight, ideal look for a wealthy person, ideal look for a woman with children, and ideal look for a woman without children. Additionally, participants were asked to describe obesity and its threat to health in their terms. Responses of participants to the above questions are presented as frequencies. Differences between rural and urban participants as well as males and females with respect to the median figure chosen for each question were determined by Mann–Whitney U test. Results The median age of participants was 40 (IQR 26). The prevalence of overweight and obesity observed among participants was 52.8%. The most frequently selected figure as current body image was figure 5 (23.5%). Figure 4 was most frequently chosen by both males (37.2%) and females (24.6%) as their desired body image (27.4%). Male participants (41.8%) chose figure 5 as ideal for their gender while females (27.4%) maintained figure 4 as ideal for their gender. Study participants associated overweight with wealth and childbirth, and attributed their current weights to hereditary (27%) and childbirth (27%). Most participants were not taking steps to achieve their desired body image, and only a few engaged in both dieting and exercise to lose weight. Majority of participants described obesity as the accumulation of fat (91.0%) and viewed it as a threat to health (91.0%). Differences were observed among rural and urban participants with regard to the figure chosen as ideal for a wealthy person. Conclusion Results from this study show an improvement in obesity perception and the acknowledgment of obesity as a threat to health. There was a desire for a normal-weight figure among study participants. Attribution of current body weight to hereditary and childbirth seems to be a hindrance to the implementation of actions to achieve this normal figure weight. Public health education, screening for overweight and obesity, creation of supportive food environments, and culture-sensitive interventions are promising to curbing the obesity menace.

Perception of the body image and desired body image of children in elementary school

Introduction: Body image is defined as a multidimensional construct that embraces perceptions, attitudes and experiences of the subject relative to the size, shape and aesthetics of the body [1]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of the body image of students in the 2nd and the 3rd years of elementary school, as well as evaluate their satisfaction with the respective body image. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 58 students who attended the 2nd and 3rd years of elementary school. For the evaluation of the body image we applyed the Scale of Collins Silhouettes for Children and Adolescents (Portuguese adaptation of Helena Moreira, Ana Simões, Roberta Frontini & Maria Cristina Canavarro, 2013), consisting of seven images, of both sexes, between thinness and excess weight [2]. The nutritional status of the children was also assessed according to WHO criteria, through the collection of anthropometric data (weight and height), with the informed consent of the parents. Results: According to the nutritional evaluation, most children (57%, n = 33) showed normal nutritional status, 33% (n = 19) were overweight, and 10% (n = 6) were thinner. Regarding perceived body image, 55.1% (n = 32) of the children were identified as having a body image that represents thinness, followed by 37.9% (n = 22) as having a normal body image, and 6, 9% (n = 4) was identified as having a representative body image of overweight. Of the children who were overweight (n = 19), 21% (n = 4) were identified as being overweight, 74% (n = 14) with a normal body image, and 5% with the thinness. Regarding desired bogy image, it was verified that the majority of the children (58.6%, n = 34) would like to be thin, and 41.3% (n = 24) would like to have a normal body image. Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained allow us to verify that most overweight children present a distorted perception of their body image, which may lead them to maintain poor eating habits because they consider that they have an adequate weight. It was also possible to verify that children who present a normal nutritional state perceive themselves as having a body image representative of thinness. On the other hand, we found these children are not satisfied with their actual body image. The results obtained are in agreement with other studies [3,4] which verified that children identify the state of thinness as being the desired one, rather than normal body weight.

Abstract P361: Body Image Dissatisfaction Influences Cardiovascular Health in Overweight and Obese African American Women

Introduction: African American women are 5 times less likely than white women to meet at least 5 or more ideal cardiovascular health metrics as defined by the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) components (smoking, diet, physical activity, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and glucose). There are few studies probing the influence of sociocultural factors, such as body image dissatisfaction (BID), on these disparities. A better understanding of the impact of BID on cardiovascular health could assist in the design of more effective behavior change interventions for African American women. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that BID would have a negative association with cardiovascular health in overweight and obese African American women. Methods: We enrolled 32 women (mean age 49 years [SD 12.9]), from 5 predominantly African American churches participating in a larger community-based participatory study (FAITH! App Pilot Study) of a mobile health lifestyle intervention among African American women and men. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data to evaluate the association between BID and both cardiovascular health and select psychosocial factors (e.g. motivation for healthy eating, diet self-regulation). A LS7 composite score was calculated as a measure of overall cardiovascular health (range 0-14). The Pulvers scale, consisting of images of women across the BMI spectrum, was used to measure perceived current and goal body size (rating of figures, 1-9; underweight to very obese). A BID score was calculated as the difference between perceived current and desired body image (range -8-8; BID &lt; 0 [desire to be heavier], BID &gt; 0 [desire to be thinner], BID = 0 [no dissatisfaction]). The BID score range for our cohort was 0-4. Thus, we categorized BID as no/low BID (BID score 0-1) or high BID (BID score 2-4). Results: Twenty-two percent (7/32) of women were overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and 78% (25/32) were obese (BMI (≥ 30). Forty-four percent (14/32) had no/low BID and 56% (18/32) had high BID. Those with high BID were more likely to be obese as compared to no/low BID (94% (17/18) versus 57% (8/14), p=0.03). Although not statistically significant, the mean LS7 composite score was 1 point higher among those with no/low BID, versus high BID (8.83 versus 7.76, p=0.25). Compared to women with high BID, those with no/low BID were more likely to have greater: intrinsic motivation (P=0.01) and integrated regulation for healthy eating (P=0.007), and self-regulation to reduce fat and caloric intake (P=0.01). Conclusion: Ultimately, although small, our study suggests that African-American women with obesity are more likely to have high BID. High BID was associated with lower motivation and self-regulation, which predict cardiovascular health. BID and other psychosocial factors for behavior change are potential targets for culturally-tailored lifestyle interventions in this group.

Gender, and Satisfaction of Body Image in High School Students of Yucatan, Mexico

Adolescence constitutes a stage of changes and strong social pressures among peers, to adjust to a standard of beauty in which the perception of body image is of great relevance in comprehensive health behaviors as well as a risk factor for eating disorders. Regarding problem that is our interest to know (Body Image), we use a gender focuses, as the transversal analytical axis of the study, as well as the study of a region with a strong presence of Maya-speakers. Methodology: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted on 1432 high school students in the eastern part of the state of Yucatan, using a self-administered questionnaire (BSQ and SFS scales), with the prior informed consent of parents and participants. Results: It was obtained that 66.5% of the students are satisfied with their body image, and 32.7% are dissatisfied. It was obtained by means of the Kappa index that the perceptions of the body image of the studied students vs the desired body image have a moderate concordance. Significant differences on mean on dissatisfaction with their image were found between men and women p ≤ 0.001. Conclusions: In the area studied it is shown that gender constitutes a risk factor in which the condition of being the social pressure to adjust to beauty models, impacts regardless of the rural, urban or local culture, in this case of the Mayan zone.

Ethnic differences in body image perception in patients with type 2 diabetes

The present study compared the prevalence of obesity, fat distribution, body image perception and lifestyle among diabetic African and Albanian immigrants living in Italy, as well as diabetic Italians, aiming to identify health risks and their possible causes. The study sample consisted of 200 diabetic subjects living in Italy. A questionnaire regarding socio-demographic and lifestyle information was administered to participants, and anthropometric measurements and body image perception were assessed. Proper perception of weight status and the degree of dissatisfaction in body image perception were valued. Italians showed a higher health risk, both with regard to anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle, whereas African immigrants showed a lower one. All of the male groups underestimated their weight and Albanians were the most dissatisfied. Women perceived their current body image as heavier than their desired body image, showing a dissatisfaction toward their weight. Subjects of both sexes belonging to the overweight and obese categories generally underestimated themselves; this was particularly true in obese Africans. People with a higher body mass index were more likely to be dissatisfied than those with a lower one. Body image dissatisfaction increased when people estimated themselves as being overweight. Among lifestyle habits, being an ex-smoker increased body image dissatisfaction. The underestimation of weight detected in the present study requires attention. Nevertheless, the high percentage of overweight/obese people, coupled with the higher frequency of people dissatisfied with their high weight, suggests an awareness of the problem that could be more effective for weight loss.

Role of BMI in Spiritual Intelligence, Narcissism, and Body Image of College Students

Spiritual intelligence is our capacity for developing meaning, vision and value and allows us to dream and to strive. Narcissism is characterized by indulgence in excessive self-love, selfishness, feelings of superiority, disregard for others, lack of empathy, illusions of grandiosity, and the use of people for one’s self gain. Body image relates to a person’s perceptions, feelings and thoughts about his or her body. A 3x2 factorial design was employed to observe the main and interaction effects of BMI (low, normal and high) and gender on spiritual intelligence, narcissism and body image in college students. Further, a correlational design was used to determine the predictors of the dimensions of body image from spiritual intelligence and narcissism. A non probability purposive sampling technique was used to gather data from 360 college students (180 boys and 180 girls) of low, normal and high BMI. There was a significant influence of BMI on fatness evaluation and negative effect. Significant gender differences were seen in some of the dimensions of all the three variables. Also, interaction effect between BMI and gender were reported in certain cases. Results also showed that spiritual intelligence, critical existential thinking, personal meaning production, transcendental awareness, conscious state expansion and narcissism were found to be significant predictors of various criterion variables. Spiritual intelligence can be explored in more than one population in order to gain a better understanding of its influence over body image. Based on the results of the current research study, interventions could be designed which aim at enhancing the understanding of spirituality and spiritual intelligence. This would, in turn, contribute to the fostering of a desirable body image in college students.

Obesity, body image, and its impact on children's eating and exercise behaviors in China: A nationwide longitudinal study

Body image seems to mediate the association between obesity and health behaviors as well as weight control attempts. We examined the distribution of children's body image by demographic characteristics and their subsequent associations with eating, exercise, and weight change. Child body image and health behaviors from the China Health National Survey 2000–2011 were assessed at baseline and in follow-up for 6- to 17-year-old children during 2000–2011 using mixed models. There was a large discrepancy between children's actual weight status (overweight: 16.9%) vs. self-rated body image (fat: 2.4% in 2011). Less than 1% of children desired a fat body; girls were more likely to want to be thin (52.5% vs. 40.9%) than boys. About 11% of children needed to lose weight in order to be at their desired baseline. During follow-up, those needing weight loss to be as desired were more likely to attempt dieting to change their weight (OR, 95% CI=1.9, 1.1–3.5 in boys; 1.7, 1.1–2.5 in girls) and less likely to feel they had enough physical activity (OR, 95% CI=0.5, 0.4–0.7 in boys; 0.6, 0.5–0.9 in girls), although their weight gain had been significantly higher than those having consistent self and desired body images (β [SE]=0.4 [0.1] in boys; 0.2 [0.1] in girls, all p<0.05). However, no significant difference was shown in subsequent health behaviors among overweight children by body image discrepancy. The discrepancy in self vs. desired body image motivated children to change their obesity-related health behaviors among non-overweight children in China.

Body image and dissatisfaction among rural Deep South African American women in a weight loss intervention.

Body image perception may impact health-promoting behaviors as well as knowledge regarding health risks associated with obesity. Our cross-sectional analysis evaluated body image and its association with body mass index among overweight and obese treatment-seeking African American women (N = 409). Differences between current and desired body image were captured using the Pulvers scale. Results indicated the presence of body image dissatisfaction among participants (median = 2.00, interquartile range: 2.00-3.00), with greater dissatisfaction observed at higher categories of body mass index. Additionally, receiver operating curves demonstrated the ability of the Pulvers scale to correctly identify participants classified by body mass index. Further research is needed to identify factors that influence body image perception.

The Prevalence and Determents of Eating disorders among Emirati Female Students Aged 14–19 Years in Ajman, UAE

The Prevalence and Determents of Eating disorders among Emirati Female Students Aged 14–19 Years in Ajman, UAE Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and its determinants among Emirati female students: ages 14 to 19, Ajman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 public female high schools in Ajman, with a stratified random sampling of 315 Emirati students. The participants were selected from 3 strata: grade 10, 11, and 12. From each, two classes were selected randomly. Moreover, 30% of the participants at risk of Eating disorders were invited to an individual interview to explore their unique determinants of Eating Disorders. Outcome measures of this study were Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) Score, Body Mass Index (BMI), Perceived Body Image and Desired Body Image. Additionally, a figure of body image scale correlated to BMI was adapted from Bays et al. [1]. Results: Results were demonstrated into six tables. Average age was 16 ± 1.1 years, where 17.5% of participants were underweight, 48.6% normal weight, 17.8% overweight and 16.2% obese. Furthermore 36.2% were at risk of Eating Disorders. Sub-analysis showed that 20.3% were at risk of Binge Eating Disorder, 4.8% Bulimia, and 5.4% Anorexia. There was a significant discrepancy between their actual and perceived body image. 49.1% of the underweight participants and 80.4% of the overweight perceived their body image as normal. Individual interviews analysis showed the dominant determinants of Eating disorders to be dieting in the family, media’s effect, and peer pressure. Conclusion: The study highlights the severity of the problem in Ajman, UAE. The results can be used to plan health awareness campaigns to prevent Eating disorders among the Emirati youth.