scholarly journals Body image perception in relation to recent weight changes and strategies for weight loss in a nationally representative sample in the European Union

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (1a) ◽  
pp. 143-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinead McElhone ◽  
John M Kearney ◽  
Ismene Giachetti ◽  
Hans-Joachim Franz Zunft ◽  
J Alfredo Martínez

AbstractObjectivesTo assess body image perception and satisfaction with current body image across the EU and to explore the influence of sociodemographic variables, body-weight change and strategies for losing weight on body image perception.DesignA cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted in the 15 member states of the EU between March and April 1997.SubjectsThe questionnaire was completed by 15 239 subjects (aged 15 years and upwards). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state.ResultsJust 39% of respondents in the EU were satisfied with their weight and these were more likely to be male (46%) rather than female (31%). Across the EU 29% of Finnish subjects were content with their weight compared with 47% in Belgium and 48% in Luxembourg. The highest percentage of subjects who were content with their body weight was among females who were underweight (58%) and males who were normal weight (66%). A further 20% of underweight females wished to be lighter compared to only 5% of males. Diet was the most frequently selected method for losing weight especially among females wishing to be considerably lighter (27%) while males were as likely to use exercise as diet as a strategy to lose weight.ConclusionsGeographical and sociodemographical influences on body image perception are evident across the EU. There were clear gender differences in the desire to be thinner with a high proportion of females who were underweight being content to be so.

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (1a) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Kearney ◽  
MJ Kearney ◽  
S McElhone ◽  
MJ Gibney

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of conducting this survey was to identify data on consumer attitudes towards and beliefs about physical activity, body weight and health among the 15 countries of the EU.DesignA cross-sectional study to get a picture of the attitudes to physical activity, body weight and health in the EU. For this, it was considered important that samples be nationally representative so that inferences drawn from the data could be applied to the population in each country as well as to the EU population as a whole. Using a non-probability sampling method employing quota controls (and the national weight) we obtained large sample sizes from each country which were nationally representative in terms of the variables age, sex and regional distribution. To ensure samples were truly nationally representative a national weight was used when analysing the data using the same characteristics as those used to define quotas. When examining pooled estimates for the total EU sample a population weight was applied.ResultsIn total, 15 239 subjects aged 15 years and upwards in the EU completed the survey. This article gives details on the methods used in carrying out the survey from design of the questionnaire to sample selection, questionnaire administration and analysis of the data. The methods and their limitations are discussed.


Author(s):  
Iasmim Batista Correia ◽  
Nathalie De Almeida Silva ◽  
Paulo Granges e Silva ◽  
Tarciana Nobre de Menezes

Aging leads to psychological losses and various physical changes that, associated with body-stereotyped patterns imposed by society, can cause disturbances in the body image perception (BIP) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate BIP in older adults living in the city of Campina Grande / PB and its relationship with different anthropometric and body composition indicators. This cross-sectional study was carried out with older adults of both sexes enrolled in the Family Health Strategy of Campina Grande, PB. BIP was considered as a dependent variable and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and arm fat area (AFA) as independent variables. The association between BIP and anthropometric indicators was verified using the Pearson chi-square test (X²), simple and multiple logistic regression, with significance level of p <0.05. Overall, 420 older adults were interviewed (68.1% women), of whom 409 reported their actual body image perception. Regarding the perception of idealized body image, 11 individuals did not respond and 230 were satisfied, since 179 desired another silhouette. Individuals with BMI indicative of overweight / obesity were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction compared to those with normal weight. Subjects with excessive TSF showed greater body image dissatisfaction in relation to those with normal weight. Women were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction. Thus, it was observed that variables BMI, TSF and sex were independently associated with body image satisfaction.


1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (1a) ◽  
pp. 97-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Margetts ◽  
E Rogers ◽  
K Widhal ◽  
A-M Remaut de Winter ◽  
H-JF Zunft

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the factors that influence attitudes and beliefs about the effects of body weight and physical activity on health.DesignCross-sectional survey using a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted between March and April 1997 in the 15 member states of the EU.SubjectsApproximately 1000 adults aged 15 years plus from each country were selected by quota-controlled sampling; the total sample was of 15 239 persons (7162 males and 8077 females). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by age, gender and regional distribution within countries.ResultsOverall 27% of men and 35% of women reported not engaging in any form of recreational activity; rates were highest in those with a primary-level education (37% men, 43% women) compared with tertiary-level education (20% men, 25% women). Recreational activity levels declined with age and tended to be lowest in those who were more physically active at work. Eighteen per cent of respondents believed that physical activity was one of the two greatest influences on health; 13% mentioned body weight, 38% mentioned food, 41% mentioned smoking and 33% mentioned stress. Logistic regression was used to assess for the effects of gender, age, educational level, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, activity level and country on beliefs that body weight and physical activity influenced health. Primary-educated, overweight, ex- and non-smoking women were most likely to mention body weight as an influence; young tertiary-educated, thinner, non-smoking and active males were most likely to mention physical activity. There was wide variation across Europe in reported behaviour and beliefs, which persisted after taking account of all of the other factors in the regression model.ConclusionsRelatively few people in some countries believed body weight and physical activity were important influences on health. Many people mentioned stress and it might be possible to use this interest to motivate changes in physical activity to relieve stress. It may be important to take a more integrated approach to activity patterns that consider the role of work and recreation. Although social and demographic factors were important, after adjusting for these factors there was still wide between-country variation in reported attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. This will need to be taken into account in any activity promotion campaigns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 172-184
Author(s):  
Nila Anggita Nur Faizah ◽  
Amalia Ruhana

Body image is the subjective imagination of a person regarding the judgments of other on his body. The ideal body image can encourage someone to do things such as physical changes and other changes, namely snack consumption patterns. This is often experienced by students. This study aims to determine the relationship between perceptions of body image and snacking habits in students. The research targets were Universitas Negeri Surabaya students who were on the Ketintang campus with a sample of 100 people who had met the inclusion criteria. This study used an observational analytical study design with a cross-sectional approach. The instruments used in this study are Body Shape Questionnaire and interviews using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The result is 56% of respondents’ body image perceptions negative and 70% of respondents admit to snacking frequently. The resuts of the correlation test showed that there was no relationship between perception of body image and the respondent’s eating habits (p > 0,05). It can be concluded that most respondents are not satisfied with their body image, even though the majority of them often consume snacks every day. It is suggested that students need to get good nutrition education and learning related to body image perception in order to have a positive body image perception. Further research is needed to determine other factors that can affect the perception of body image in students.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Ni Made Ayu Yulia Raswati Teja ◽  
Ni Komang Ekawati ◽  
Ni Made Swasti Wulanyani

Background and purpose: Level of anxiety among women approaching menopause is often high. This is influenced by knowledge, education, culture and customs, body image perception and self-efficacy. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge, perception of body image and self-efficacy with anxiety in perimenopausal women.Methods: This study employed a cross sectional design with 87 perimenopausal women aged 45-55 years in Dauh Puri Klod Village, Denpasar City, Bali Province. Respondents were selected with systematic random sampling from 1,039 women aged 45-55 years recorded in Dauh Puri Klod Village. Interviews were conducted at each respondent's house in August 2018. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, perception of body image, self-efficacy and anxiety levels among women approaching menopause. Bivariate analysis with chi square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression were conducted to identify the association between variables.Results: The results of bivariate analysis showed that variables associated with anxiety were knowledge (p=0.001), perception of body image (p=0.012) and self-efficacy (p=0.001). The results of multivariate analysis with the backward method showed that the variables associated with anxiety were knowledge (AOR=10.83; 95%CI: 3.31-35.37) and self-efficacy (AOR=3.48; 95%CI: 1.09-11.14).Conclusion: Anxiety in women approaching menopause is associated with knowledge and self-efficacy, but is not associated with perceptions of body image. Knowledge plays the most dominant role in reducing anxiety. Education needs to be improved to reduce anxiety in women approaching menopause.


Author(s):  
Seyeon Park ◽  
Jieun Shin ◽  
Seunghui Baek

The tendency of misperceiving one’s body image was found to be higher among those at normal body mass index (BMI). Thus, the present study aims to provide basic data to seek solutions for ideal physical activities and right body image perception by comparing health-related behaviors of women at normal BMI. Among the 39,225 respondents from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) conducted from 2013 to 2017, 10,798 adult women with World Health Organization (WHO) BMI Classifications of 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 (Asia-Pacific) were considered, from which pregnant and breast-feeding women and women whose body image perception was not identified were excluded, leading to a total of 9288 women. Data were analyzed utilizing SAS ver. 9.4 for frequency analysis, cross tabulation, GLM (generalized linear model), and logistic regression analysis with complex samples design, in conformity with the guidelines of the KNHNES. The results showed that approximately most (87.6%) of adult Korean women misperceived their body image. Misperception of body image was related to inappropriate health-related behaviors such as smoking, insufficient sleeping, and excessive body weight management; those who had underestimated their body image (≤64 odds ratio (OR) (0.718 (confidence interval (C.I.) 0.594–0.866))) carried out fewer health-related behaviors, while women aged 65 or above engaged in more health-related behaviors when they perceived themselves as obese (OR 1.683 (C.I. 1.260–2.248; overestimation)). To sum up, it was found that lack of health management, inappropriate body weight control, and health-related behaviors are related to body image misperception compared with real BMI. As such, it is necessary to have educational programs to encourage building proper perception of one’s body image and body weight, and to carry out health-related behaviors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gatti ◽  
Chiara Ionio ◽  
Daniela Traficante ◽  
Emanuela Confalonieri

Puberty is a very important process for adolescents. Physiological changes and body modifications lead to great vulnerability. This vulnerability is connected to the adolescent’s perceptions of the uncertainty of outcomes due to the transformation of their infant body into an adult one. This cross-sectional study aims to better understand whether body image perception and satisfaction influence self-esteem in a sample of Italian male and female adolescents. A total of 242 adolescents (120 male and 122 female individuals) aged 11 to 17 years (M= 13.33;SD= 1.7) completed the study measures. Quantitative and qualitative instruments were used. In particular, adolescents completed self-report questionnaires to assess their pubertal status (Pubertal Developmental Scale, Peterson, Crockett, Richards, & Boxer, 1988), their body esteem (Body Esteem Scale, Mendelson, Mendelson, & White, 2001), their body image (Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire, Rauste-von Wright, 1989), and their self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg,1965). Adolescent were also invited to depict themselves to assess their body representations by completing the Drawing Me test (Confalonieri, 2011). Results from MANOVAs confirm that gender and age are two factors that influence body image perception and satisfaction. SEM analyses show that good self-esteem is reached through good body satisfaction following different trajectories in male and female individuals. Data from adolescents’ body representations obtained via drawings confirm that females are more concerned about their body changes and about the appearance of secondary sexual features than males. This research, stressing the influence of various individual factors and highlighting the psychological distress and dissatisfaction of adolescents, especially females, confirms the importance of studying this topic in order to generate preventive measures to help adolescents through this developmental task.


Author(s):  
Srinivas N. ◽  
Ravi M. R. ◽  
Prashantha B. ◽  
Prakash B.

Background: The World Health Organization has described obesity as one of today’s most neglected public health problems. Body image is a psychosocial dimension of body size that encompasses both perceptual and attitudinal factors and has been associated with eating disorders. Adolescents are becoming over conscious of their body image. Body weight perception refers to the personal evaluation of one’s weight irrespective of actual BMI. The objectives of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, body image perception and weight control practices among college going adolescents girls and to determine differences between existing BMI and body image perception among college going adolescents girls. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college going adolescents girls in Mysore district, two colleges were randomly selected and 661 study participants were participated in the study. Data was collected through a self-administered pre tested structured questionnaire and height and weight were measured using standard tools to calculate body mass index. Results: Among the study percipients prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 36 (5.4%) and 43 (6.5%) respectively, whereas 70 (10.6) feel they are obese and 386 (59.2%) were ever practiced weight control methods. Body image perception and actual weight were found to statistically significant. Conclusions: Perception about body image as obese was higher among adolescents. Hence adolescents should be given education regarding body mass index and expected BMI for their age and about appropriate dietary practices. 


UVserva ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Elvia Vianey Guerrero Alcocer

La presencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR), como realizar ayunos prolongados o tomar pastillas, han aumentado su prevalencia entre la población adulta joven. Se reconoce que estas prácticas alimentarias están asociadas a la percepción de la imagen corporal (PIC), composición corporal (CC), así como la carrera profesional. Objetivo: se asoció un tamizaje de CAR con PIC, CC y formación de licenciatura. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal donde se midió peso, talla, CC, PIC y se aplicó un tamizaje de CAR. Resultados: La muestra fue conformada por 91 estudiantes de diferentes licenciaturas de nuevo ingreso, el 65% fueron mujeres. El 9.3 y 5% de mujeres y hombres respectivamente presentaron CAR. Al aplicar la prueba de percepción corporal, 25.2 de los sujetos presentaron una percepción errónea de su imagen corporal, sin asociarse al porcentaje de masa grasa o CAR. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencias en la prevalencia de CAR por licenciatura.Palabras clave: composición corporal; percepción de la imagen corporal; conductas alimentarias de riesgo; universidad; nutrición AbstractThe presence of risk eating behaviors (REB) such as fasting or taking pills has increased its prevalence among the young adult population. It is recognized that these dietary practices are associated with body image perception (BIP), body composition (BC), as well as the professional career that is chosen to study. Objective: Association between REB, BIP, BC and professional career. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study where weight, height, fat free mass, fat mass and BIP were measured, and a REB screening were applied. Results: The sample was made up of 91 students, 65% were women. Three women and two men presented REB. When applying the BIP test, 2 women with REB and two without REB perceived their body as overweight when their BMI was less than 25, without being associated with the percentage of fat mass. Conclusions: No differences were observed in the prevalence of REB by career.Keywords: body composition; body image perception; eating disorder; university; nutrition 


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