Body image avoidance: An under-explored yet important factor in the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating

Only a small number of studies draw attention to the relationship between body image after pregnancy and during lactation with the decision to undertake and continue breastfeeding. Body image is a complex mental construct, which consists of: cognitive, emotional and behavioural components, and which is subject to change during the life of the woman. Pregnancy, childbirth and lactation affect the physicality of women, which is also reflected in the way of defining their body image. Dissatisfaction with own body can affect the decision to breastfeed or cause discomfort during breastfeeding. At the same time, undertaking breastfeeding can, through the hormones secreted at the time, positively influence the assessment of the woman’s body before and during pregnancy. The discovery of this relationship, and in the future indicating the precise correlation phenomena, could have a practical use in working with patients whether to breastfeed. By noticing and identifying an early onset of irregularities in the forming body image of a pregnant women, healthcare professionals can support those in need to build a real body image and positive attitude towards occurring changes and thus increase their comfort. Recognising and understanding the obstacles women experience on the road to breastfeeding, educators and professionals can create programs which consider a more complex, psycho-physical dimension of breastfeeding.

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DO TRAINING REGIMEN AND COMPETITIVE LEVEL AFFECT BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION (LEANNESS AND MUSCLE TONE) IN FEMALE ATHLETES?

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-869220192505141766 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 423-427

Author(s):

Leonardo de Sousa Fortes ◽

Sebastião Sousa Almeida ◽

Maria Elisa Caputo Ferreira

Keyword(s):

Body Image ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Muscle Tone ◽

Body Image Dissatisfaction ◽

The Body ◽

Drive For Muscularity ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Study Case ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACT Introduction Studies that seek analyze the relationship between sport variables and body image are importants, because indicate if the competitive sport environment influence on body feelings of athlete. Objective To analyze the relationship between sports variables (training regimen and competitive level) and dissatisfaction in regard to leanness and muscle tone in female athletes. Methods One hundred and eighty female athletes aged over 12 years from various sport disciplines participated in the study. We used the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) to assess dissatisfaction in regard to leanness. The dissatisfaction subscale of Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) was used to evaluate dissatisfaction with muscle tone. Training regimen (frequency x daily hours of training) and competitive level were acquired through a questionnaire developed by the actual investigators. Results The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between the training regimen (F(1, 179)=4.01; p=0.047) and competitive level (F(2, 178)=3.59; p=0.031) and the BSQ scores. Moreover, the results indicated a statistically significant relationship between the training regimen (F(1, 179)=4.01; p=0.047) and the competitive level (F(2, 178)=3.59; p=0.031), with DMS dissatisfaction subscale scores. Conclusion Sports variables (training regimen and competitive level) were related to dissatisfaction in regard to leanness and muscle tone, although they demonstrated different magnitudes. Level of evidence III; study case-control.

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