Dissatisfaction with Body Image and Weight Gain in Middle-aged Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2024 Jan 11

PMID 38206926

Authors

Maria Socorro Medeiros de Morais

Sabrina Gabrielle Gomes Fernandes Macedo

Rafaela Andrade do Nascimento

Mariana Carmem Apolinario Vieira

Mayle Andrade Moreira

Saionara Maria Aires da Camara

Maria das Gracas Almeida

Alvaro Campos Cavalcanti Maciel

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between weight gain and body image perception in in middle-aged women.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with 453 women. Body image was assessed using the Stunkard scale, in which women were classified as: satisfied or dissatisfied (general, thinness or obesity). The identification of possible factors associated with body image dissatisfaction was performed using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results: The mean age was 55.7 (±9.6) years; 80.8% were classified as dissatisfied with body image. As for body composition, women satisfied with their body image had lower values of body fat and higher values of lean mass. In the logistic regression, for general dissatisfaction and obesity, the associated variables were BMI, education and physical activity. As for "dissatisfaction with thinness", only BMI was associated.

Conclusion: Thus, the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction is high in women and part of associated factors are linked to lifestyle behaviors.

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