Body (Dis)Satisfaction: Could the Evaluation Be Influenced by Sex?

INTRODUCTION: Body image is a multidimensional and complex construct, which includes cognitive, perceptual, emo-tional, and behavioural aspects. It varies along sex and the aging process with relations to weight control. Body image may be defined in simple terms as the way a person perceives or thinks about his body and how it looks to others. The negative interaction of the mentioned factors could generate body (dis)satisfaction (1). Previous research has shown that body dissatisfaction could result in risky weight-loss behaviours and concerns about both weight and muscularity, in females (F) and males (M), respectively (2). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate male and female body dissatisfaction in relation to body size. METHODS: One hundred-five volunteers took part in this study. Fifty M (age:25.3±9.2yrs; body mass:72.5±8.7kg; height:176±7cm; BMI:23.3±2.2kg/m2) and fifty-five F (age:27.6±10.6yrs; body mass:61.9±13kg; height:166±6cm; BMI:22.5±3.9 kg/m2). To assess the individual’s body dissatisfaction in relation to body size, the Body Image Dimensional Assessment (BIDA) instrument was used (3). BIDA assesses the subjective and emotional dimensions of body image by means of a neutral silhouette-based scale. The questionnaire consists of four questions (Q1 to Q4) ranging from 1.8 to 5.2, with increment of 0.1, related to individual’s perceived and ideal body shape to calculate the Body Dissatisfaction (BD=(Q1-Q2)×100/3.4), the most appropriate body shape for their peer for Comparative Body Dissatisfaction (CBD=(Q1-Q4)x100/3.4) and the most appreciated body shape by the opposite sex, to calculate the Sexual Body Dissatisfaction (SxBD=(Q1-Q3)×100/3.4). Body Dissatisfaction Index (BDI=(BD+SxBD+CBD)/3) was sequentially calculated. Means, standard devia-tions and ranges were calculated separately for M and F for each variable. To evaluate sex differences, two-sample t tests were performed for all variables. RESULTS: Sex differences emerged for BD (F: 12.4±14.9% range:-17.6-58.8; M:-1.4±12.4% range:-29.4-29.4, p=0.000), SxBD (F: 9.0±17.6% range:-28.2-58.8; M:-1.1±14% range:-29.4-20.5, p=0.0016), BDI (F:15.2±7.4% range:2.9-29.4; M:12.2±5.7% range:0-24.5, p=0.02). No differences emerged for CBD. CONCLUSION: BIDA proved to be effective in detecting body image differences in relation to sex. Although sex differences emerged, both M and F are exposed to body dissatisfaction, with F at a higher risk regarding BD and SxBD. Literature (3) suggested BDI values higher than 30% as a threshold to define subjects at risk of body image disorders. While based on our results the sample of the present study could be defined not at risk, findings suggest to draw attention to the tendency to became at risk. REFERENCES: 1. Condello G. et al. PLoSONE 2016 2. Brennan M.A. et al. Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research 2010 3. Segura-García C. et al. Eating and Weight Disorders 2012