Body Image and Nutritional Status from Childhood to Adulthood

Dear Colleagues,

As is well known, an individual’s perception of the body, regardless of its appearance, is referred to as “body image”. This perception depends on numerous factors, from realistic self-observation to emotions, feelings, memories, and attitudes associated with the body, both consciously and unconsciously.

A misperception of body image can be frequently observed, and this condition can be associated with anxiety about one's appearance, depressive disorders, and detrimental eating behaviours, especially in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, when an incongruence between perceived and ideal body image occurs, the resulting body dissatisfaction can affect the individual's physical and mental health.

Nutritional status is directly related to the health status of the individual and is influenced by diet and nutrient utilization. With particular reference to one of its possible assessments based on anthropometric determinations, the complexity of the relationships between body image perception and weight status/body composition—and, in particular, their trends with age, gender, ethnicity, and physical activity, as well as their effects on health outcomes—need to be studied in depth.

To ensure the health of children, adolescents, and adults, it is crucial to understand the relationship between perceived body image and actual weight status or body composition. Indeed, this may allow for the development of effective interventions to prevent and manage possible eating disorders.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight the latest relevant research in this field. Therefore, we welcome all reviews, research papers, and experimental and empirical studies that address aspects related to body image perception and actual physical appearance with nutritional status.

Prof. Dr. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
Dr. Luciana Zaccagni
Guest Editors

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