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Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2025) | Viewed by 13093

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nutrition; physical activity; obesity; exercise and health; body composition; body image perception; native and migrant populations
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E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: kinanthropometry; body composition; sports and performance; body image perception; obesity; physical activity and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As is well known, a person'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 cause anxiety about one's appearance, depressive disorders, and detrimental eating behaviours, especially in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, when an incongruence between perceived body image and ideal body image occurs, the resulting body dissatisfaction can affect the individual's physical and mental health.

The complexity of the relationships between body image perception and weight status/body composition, their trend with age, gender, ethnicity, and physical activity, and their effects on health outcomes need to be studied in depth.

For adolescent and adult health assurance, it is crucial to understand the relationship between perceived body image and actual weight status or body composition. Indeed, this may allow 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. We will therefore welcome all reviews, research papers, and experimental and empirical studies that address aspects related to body image perception and actual physical appearance.

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

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Keywords

  • body image perception
  • weight status
  • body composition
  • eating disorders
  • gender
  • age
  • ethnicity
  • anthropometry
  • physical activity

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 633 KiB  
Article
Eating Disorder Symptoms and Energy Deficiency Awareness in Adolescent Artistic Gymnasts: Evidence of a Knowledge Gap
by Anastasia Donti, Maria I. Maraki, Maria Psychountaki and Olyvia Donti
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101699 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pressure to stay lean may lead adolescent athletes to dietary restraint and disordered eating. Lack of nutrition awareness can also contribute to suboptimal dietary habits, increasing the risk of eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport [RED-S], though evidence in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pressure to stay lean may lead adolescent athletes to dietary restraint and disordered eating. Lack of nutrition awareness can also contribute to suboptimal dietary habits, increasing the risk of eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport [RED-S], though evidence in competitive athletes is limited. This study explored eating disorder symptoms and RED-S knowledge in adolescent artistic gymnasts. Methods: Eighty-four female artistic gymnasts, thirty-nine international and national level gymnasts [high-level; 14 [14, 15] y] and forty-five recreational and club level gymnasts [low-level; 14 [13, 15] y] completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q 6.0], the RED-S knowledge Questionnaire and provided training details. Results: Seventeen gymnasts (20.2%) scored above the cutoff point on the EDE-Q. In addition, high-level gymnasts scored higher than low-level on EDE-Q [2.21 ± 1.37 (35.9%) vs. 1.19 ± 0.79 (6.7%), respectively; p < 0.001] and on its subscales: Restraint, Eating Concerns, Weight Concerns, and Shape Concerns [p < 0.001 to 0.009], thus indicating more severe disordered eating symptoms. No group differences were found in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. An important percentage of gymnasts reported at least one episode of binge eating and excessive training [39.3–58.3%], while four gymnasts reported self-induced vomiting. RED-S knowledge did not differ between groups. On average, gymnasts were unaware of correct answers related to RED-S [51.5%], its definitions [79.8–92.9%], and its association with menstrual disturbances and bone health [54.8–86.9%]. However, gymnasts reported better awareness of the impact of food restriction on illness and performance [47.6–84.5%]. Conclusions: Elite artistic gymnasts exhibited a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms than lower-level peers. Gymnasts at all levels demonstrated limited knowledge of the effects of RED-S on menstrual and bone health. Failure to recognize these risks may influence gymnasts’ eating behaviors and delay RED-S detection and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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12 pages, 471 KiB  
Article
Lifestyle Behaviors Associated with Weight Loss Intent in Adolescent Girls: Findings from the US 2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
by Elinor Fondell, Jaime Vallejos, Andrew J. Piazza and Mariana C. Calle
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101676 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
Background: External social influences on body image affect females differently than males, and adolescent girls are more likely to want to change their weight status. Understanding the healthy and unhealthy habits of adolescent girls is vital for developing effective and targeted health [...] Read more.
Background: External social influences on body image affect females differently than males, and adolescent girls are more likely to want to change their weight status. Understanding the healthy and unhealthy habits of adolescent girls is vital for developing effective and targeted health promotions and interventions. Methods: Using data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) survey, this cross-sectional study compares dietary habits, physical activity, vaping, alcohol use, sleep, and screen time in females (9th–12th grades) who intend to lose weight versus those who want to maintain their current weight. Results: The sample consisted of 4362 females, of which 56.7% reported an intent to lose weight. The average BMI percentile was 64.1 compared to 75.4 among those trying to lose weight and 50.1 among those not trying to lose weight. Adolescent girls intending to lose weight also reported less frequent breakfast consumption (OR 0.52; 0.40–0.69), less sleep (OR 0.72; 0.59–0.89), more screen time (OR 1.27; 1.02–1.58), engaging in muscle toning exercises (OR 1.30; 1.07–1.57), vaping (OR 1.22; 1.01–1.47), and alcohol use (OR 1.61; 1.32–1.98) compared to those not intending to lose weight. Conclusions: Adolescent girls trying to lose weight would likely benefit from interventions to help them improve sleep, reduce screen time, improve dietary and exercise habits, and monitor alcohol and vaping use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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30 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
Gender Moderates the Associations Between Responsiveness to Alarming Oral Sensations, Depressive Symptoms, and Dietary Habits in Adolescents
by Leonardo Menghi, Lara Fontana, Silvia Camarda, Isabella Endrizzi, Maria Pina Concas, Paolo Gasparini and Flavia Gasperi
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101653 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
Background/Objectives: As a peripheral effect of depression-related traits, sensory responses may predispose individuals to depressive symptoms by prompting suboptimal dietary patterns with long-term effects on mood. Mood disturbances in adolescence are strong predictors of adult mental illness, making it crucial to identify [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: As a peripheral effect of depression-related traits, sensory responses may predispose individuals to depressive symptoms by prompting suboptimal dietary patterns with long-term effects on mood. Mood disturbances in adolescence are strong predictors of adult mental illness, making it crucial to identify factors that may shift transient mood fluctuations into more severe mental health issues during this vulnerable period. Given the substantial gender differences in susceptibility to comorbidities of depression, we examined whether the link between sensory perception and depressive symptoms in nonclinical adolescents varied by gender and was related to dietary habits. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 232 healthy adolescents (41.8% girls, aged 13–17) reported their diet over the past year using the EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire and rated their liking and perceived intensity of oral sensations from four grapefruit juices and dark chocolate puddings with varying sucrose levels. Additionally, participants completed assessments of anxiety, neuroticism, pickiness, body dissatisfaction, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate depressive symptoms. Results: We found that girls exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, neuroticism, and pickiness compared to boys (Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test), and that greater responsiveness to bitterness (e.g., β = 0.264, p = 0.037) and astringency (β = 0.269, p = 0.029) predicted higher depressive symptoms exclusively in girls. PHQ-9 scores were positively associated with alcohol use in both girls (ρ = 0.176, p = 0.003) and boys (ρ = 0.148, p = 0.004) and inversely related to the intake of beneficial nutrients (e.g., fiber, polyunsaturated fats), particularly in girls. Intriguingly, moderation analyses suggested that associations between nutrient intake and acuity for alarming oral sensations were largely moderated by depression-related traits in girls, but not in boys. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gender moderates the links between depressive symptoms, sensory perception, and dietary habits in healthy adolescents, possibly reflecting gender-specific coping strategies for comorbidities of depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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32 pages, 782 KiB  
Article
Development of a Trauma-Informed, Culturally Sensitive Eating-Disorder-Specific Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination Tool: A Modified Delphi Study
by Donna Gallagher, Alainn Bailey, Laura Byham-Gray, Diane Rigassio-Radler and Jane Ziegler
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091449 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify components of a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive eating-disorder-specific nutrition-focused physical examination (ED-NFPE) tool. Method: The modified Delphi methodology was used to develop a consensus on the clinical relevance of nine evidence-informed ED-specific nutrition examination domains and 46 components [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to identify components of a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive eating-disorder-specific nutrition-focused physical examination (ED-NFPE) tool. Method: The modified Delphi methodology was used to develop a consensus on the clinical relevance of nine evidence-informed ED-specific nutrition examination domains and 46 components within those domains. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a panel of registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) experts in the ED field. The panelists responded to survey statements on a five-point Likert scale. The panelists also provided qualitative feedback on domain and component additions, exclusions, modifications, and trauma-informed culturally sensitive examination practice techniques. Results: Twenty-two RDN expert panelists completed Round One of the study, and eighteen panelists completed Round Two (82% retention). Twenty-one were female. Fifteen panelists had ten or more years of experience in ED dietetics. Fifty percent held an advanced practice credential from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). After the two survey rounds, the nine ED-NFPE domains and 46 of the 48 components achieved a consensus for clinical relevance. The panelists proposed two new examination components and provided qualitative feedback for trauma-informed culturally sensitive practice techniques in all nine domains. Conclusions: This modified Delphi study design was chosen to reach a consensus on developing an ED-NFPE tool, as there are few current evidence-based guidelines for nutrition examinations in ED care. An NFPE tool specifically designed to detect the nutrition-related findings of individuals with EDs would strengthen the overall nutrition assessment. RDNs at every level of care and with all degrees of experience could use an ED-NFPE to inform patient treatment goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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14 pages, 1576 KiB  
Article
Association Between Body Image and Physical Activity, Sociodemographic, and Morphological Variables in Adult Women
by Andrzej Knapik, Ryszard Plinta and Rafał Gnat
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030424 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1225
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Studying non-pathological determinants of body image (BI) among adult women is essential to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that shape BI and thus to promote positive mental health, support tailored interventions, address societal impacts, and ultimately facilitate women’s healthier [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Studying non-pathological determinants of body image (BI) among adult women is essential to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that shape BI and thus to promote positive mental health, support tailored interventions, address societal impacts, and ultimately facilitate women’s healthier relationships with their bodies. The data available on this particular topic are sparse. The importance of BI for well-being prompted the authors to study its relationships with sociodemographic (age, education level, professional, marital, material status), morphological (body mass index—BMI) and behavioural (habitual physical activity) variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a cohort of 740 volunteer women was conducted with the one-time measurement of the dependent variables—individual components of BI—using the standard Body Esteem Scale (BES) questionnaire. Results: The BMI was a factor differentiating all domains of the BES. Among the analysed sociodemographic variables, intergroup comparisons showed significant effects of education and material status in the following BES domains: sexual attractiveness and weight concern. The physical condition domain showed differences between the categories of professional and material status. The level of physical activity differentiated respondents in the domains of weight concern and physical condition. Conclusions: Adult women are generally critical about their bodies. A factor that adversely affects the BES is an excessive BMI. Sociodemographic factors influence BI to a lesser degree. Physical activity shows a correlation with the BES domain of physical condition, particularly among young women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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10 pages, 392 KiB  
Article
Predisposing Potential Risk Factors for Severe Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents
by Elena Bozzola, Flavia Cirillo, Cristina Mascolo, Livia Antilici, Umberto Raucci, Benedetta Guarnieri, Annamaria Ventricelli, Elettra De Santis, Giulia Spina, Massimiliano Raponi, Alberto Villani and Maria Rosaria Marchili
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010021 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2143
Abstract
Background: Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that mainly affects children and adolescents. Most patients present with extreme body dissatisfaction and an obsessive focus on body weight and food. Anorexia nervosa is a complex and multifactorial condition characterised by biological, psychological, and [...] Read more.
Background: Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that mainly affects children and adolescents. Most patients present with extreme body dissatisfaction and an obsessive focus on body weight and food. Anorexia nervosa is a complex and multifactorial condition characterised by biological, psychological, and social factors. However, studies that have explored the cumulative risk that predisposes to anorexia nervosa are limited. This study aims to explore the potential risk factors for a severe form of the disease in patients affected by anorexia nervosa and to identify whether they may interact and reinforce each other, contributing to the severity of the disorder. Methods: For this study, we enrolled children and adolescents under 18 years of age hospitalised at IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy, for anorexia nervosa from 1 December 2022 to 31 August 2024, identifying and analysing potential risk factors. Elevated shape and weight concerns were found in all patients. Psychiatric and neurodevelopment comorbidities were identified in 76 patients (51.35%), life stress events in 69 (46.62%), and a family history of eating and weight control behaviours in 39 (26.35%). Out of the sample size, 20.27% of patients did not live in a traditionally structured family. This study used the Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version interview, the Coddington Life Events Scales, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children questionnaires. Results: Patients with an extreme or severe index of anorexia nervosa are more likely to have multiple predisposing factors. In detail, four predisposing factors were found in 18.6% of patients with an extreme severity index, in 15.5% of those with a severe score, and in 10.3 and 10.6% of those with a moderate and mild score, respectively. Conclusions: Cumulative potential risk factors are more likely to be found in cases of severe course disease and patients hospitalised for anorexia. Prompt identification of predisposing factors and an effective plan of action are required to avoid a severe course disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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16 pages, 2657 KiB  
Article
Anorexia Nervosa in Polish Children and Adolescents in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic—An Observational Single Centre Study
by Katarzyna Anna Dyląg, Kamil Paweł Skowron, Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka, Łukasz Drzewiecki, Katarzyna Przybyszewska, Magdalena Król-Dykas, Paulina Dumnicka, Zuzanna Gawlik, Jakub Gawlik, Sebastian Sikora and Krzysztof Gil
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234112 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1541
Abstract
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder with a high mortality rate and significant prevalence in the paediatric population. Preliminary reports during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested an increased incidence of AN among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder with a high mortality rate and significant prevalence in the paediatric population. Preliminary reports during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested an increased incidence of AN among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to analyse new cases of AN before, during, and after the pandemic, with a particular focus on the physical manifestations of the disease. Methods: This single-centre, retrospective study included new AN cases from the hospital database of a regional paediatric hospital (a reference centre for AN) between 2013 and 2023. Data analysed included the duration of the disease, body mass index (BMI), weight loss, length of hospitalisation, laboratory markers (leukopenia, anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hyperferritinaemia, hypophosphataemia, dyslipidaemia, and hypothyroxinaemia) and clinical features of malnutrition (such as amenorrhea bradycardia, pericardial effusion, and cortical/subcortical atrophy). Results: This study was conducted in a Polish regional hospital. We analysed 228 hospitalized female patients aged 10 to 18 years diagnosed with AN, focusing on clinical characteristics, biochemical markers, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was shown to have a significant impact, with longer hospitalisations observed during and after the pandemic and a lower BMI on admission post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. In addition, nutritional treatment became more prevalent over time while biochemical markers such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, hypophosphataemia, and dyslipidaemia were statistically more common post-pandemic. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical course and hospitalisation patterns of paediatric patients with AN. These findings suggest that the pandemic may have exacerbated disease severity and altered treatment approaches, emphasizing the need for enhanced clinical management and follow-up strategies for AN in the paediatric population during such health crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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13 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
Associations Between Body Appreciation, Body Weight, Lifestyle Factors and Subjective Health Among Bachelor Students in Lithuania and Poland: Cross-Sectional Study
by Vilma Kriaučionienė, Danuta Gajewska, Asta Raskilienė, Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak, Julia Ponichter, Lina Paulauskienė and Janina Petkevičienė
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3939; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223939 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1653
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Positive body image is linked to improved mental and physical well-being, healthier lifestyles, and fewer unhealthy weight control behaviors. Cultural factors also play a role in influencing body appreciation. This study investigated the associations between body appreciation, body weight, lifestyle factors, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Positive body image is linked to improved mental and physical well-being, healthier lifestyles, and fewer unhealthy weight control behaviors. Cultural factors also play a role in influencing body appreciation. This study investigated the associations between body appreciation, body weight, lifestyle factors, and subjective health among bachelor’s students in Lithuania and Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1290 students from universities in both countries. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) measured body appreciation, while participants provided self-reported data on their dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, health perceptions, and body weight and height. Linear regression models explored associations between BAS-2 scores, actual and perceived body weight, lifestyle habits, and subjective health. Results: Gender and country-based differences in body appreciation were observed. Lithuanian female students reported a higher median BAS score of 33 compared to 32 among Polish female students (p = 0.02), despite having a higher median BMI (22.3 kg/m2 vs. 21.1 kg/m2, p = 0.001). Positive body appreciation was linked to healthier dietary behaviors, such as higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and regular breakfasts. Additionally, greater physical activity and sufficient sleep were associated with higher body appreciation, while higher intake of sweets, sugary drinks, and fast food correlated with lower BAS-2 scores. Both BMI and perceived weight were negatively associated with body appreciation, particularly among females. Conclusions: Body appreciation is closely linked to body weight, healthier lifestyle, and positive health perceptions, suggesting that promoting healthier habits may improve body appreciation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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12 pages, 989 KiB  
Article
Muscle Mass and Vitamin B6 Are Linked to Negative Body Image in Women with Anorexia Nervosa: A Retrospective Study
by Federica Scarpina, Stefania Cattaldo, Elisa Prina, Paolo Piterà, Federico Brusa, Lorenzo Priano, Leonardo Mendolicchio and Alessandro Mauro
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223902 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
Introduction. Anorexia nervosa severely impacts the physical body and mental body (i.e., body image). In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between the perceived body image and body composition in women with anorexia nervosa. Specifically, we aimed to verify what components (i.e., [...] Read more.
Introduction. Anorexia nervosa severely impacts the physical body and mental body (i.e., body image). In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between the perceived body image and body composition in women with anorexia nervosa. Specifically, we aimed to verify what components (i.e., weight, body composition, and micronutrients) may predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in this clinical condition. Methods. Weight status and body composition, including the expressions of vitamins, and body image concerns were measured in a sample of 112 women with anorexia nervosa (age in years M = 26.78; SD = 12; range = 14–67). Results. According to the regression analysis, a higher skeletal muscle mass and a higher concentration of vitamin B6 seemed to predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in our sample. Conclusions. This study pointed out muscle mass and the concentration of vitamin B6 as involved in the psychological expression of body image concerns in anorexia nervosa, especially at the beginning of the disease. Thus, we may suggest including and monitoring these parameters in routine care for anorexia nervosa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
13 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
A Longitudinal Study on Body Image Perception and Size among Italian Early Adolescents: Changes over Time and Discrepancies between Genders
by Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, Sabrina Masotti, Natascia Rinaldo, Federica De Luca, Stefania Toselli, Gianni Mazzoni, Simona Mandini and Luciana Zaccagni
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203439 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The discrepancy between the current perceived body image (BI) and beauty ideals leads to dissatisfaction, which is believed to be common among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the stability in BI perceptions and dissatisfaction during early adolescence. Another aim was to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The discrepancy between the current perceived body image (BI) and beauty ideals leads to dissatisfaction, which is believed to be common among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the stability in BI perceptions and dissatisfaction during early adolescence. Another aim was to highlight differences in dissatisfaction according to Body Mass Index (BMI) and inconsistencies in weight status perception. Methods: Two hundred and nine participants (mean age at first survey: 11.33 ± 0.38 years) were enrolled in this longitudinal study with three years of follow-up. Data on size and BI perceptions were collected through individual interviews. Stature and weight were directly measured. Results: Findings indicated significant changes over three years in anthropometric traits but not in weight status prevalence or BI perception and dissatisfaction, except for the ideal figure in males and weight control in females. The results also indicated a significant difference in BI perception and dissatisfaction by BMI categories. Self-reported body measurements were found to be unreliable with a weak-to-moderate agreement between self-perceived and actual weight status. Conclusions: BI perception appears quite stable across the three years considered. Dissatisfaction is similar in both genders, although a tendency toward different gender aesthetic ideals is already appreciable in early adolescence. We suggest that the lower frequency of normal-weight adolescents compared with peers in previous studies is attributable to the effects of the recent pandemic. Given the growing dissatisfaction with increasing BMI and misinterpretations of weight status, school actions to promote a healthy lifestyle and positive BI should be undertaken. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
10 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
What Motivates Men to Improve Their Health? Understanding the Roles of Self-Esteem and Influential Others in Behaviour Change
by Lisa S. McNeill
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121916 - 18 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1445
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine men’s body image confidence, social reflectivity, body image perceptions and external information sources influence regarding body assessments. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and found that men have a low motivation toward physical health [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to examine men’s body image confidence, social reflectivity, body image perceptions and external information sources influence regarding body assessments. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and found that men have a low motivation toward physical health behaviour changes such as food, alcohol and exercise evaluation, and have generally positive views of their bodies overall. Relationship status, rather than age, defined behavioural and attitudinal differences within the men studied here. Men in this study were largely uninfluenced by celebrities or fashion in developing their own body image perceptions; single males were more likely to turn to friends, the female population generally and societal norms when evaluating themselves. Males in relationships however, weighted their partner’s opinion as the greatest influence, followed by their involvement in sport. This study offers an insight into the role of body confidence in male perspectives of the self, which is important for its intrinsic connection to motivations for health behaviours such as body weight management. This has implications for increasing the effectiveness of health-related product and service messaging, and public health messages regarding body weight management for men. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)
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