Analysis of Attentional Bias towards Attractive and Unattractive Body Regions among Overweight Males and Females: An Eye-Movement Study

Abstract

BackgroundBody image distortion is highly prevalent among overweight individuals. Whilst there is evidence that body-dissatisfied women and those suffering from disordered eating show a negative attentional bias towards their own unattractive body parts and others’ attractive body parts, little is known about visual attention patterns in the area of obesity and with respect to males. Since eating disorders and obesity share common features in terms of distorted body image and body dissatisfaction, the aim of this study was to examine whether overweight men and women show a similar attentional bias.Methods/DesignWe analyzed eye movements in 30 overweight individuals (18 females) and 28 normal-weight individuals (16 females) with respect to the participants’ own pictures as well as gender- and BMI-matched control pictures (front and back view). Additionally, we assessed body image and disordered eating using validated questionnaires.DiscussionThe overweight sample rated their own body as less attractive and showed a more disturbed body image. Contrary to our assumptions, they focused significantly longer on attractive compared to unattractive regions of both their own and the control body. For one’s own body, this was more pronounced for women. A higher weight status and more frequent body checking predicted attentional bias towards attractive body parts. We found that overweight adults exhibit an unexpected and stable pattern of selective attention, with a distinctive focus on their own attractive body regions despite higher levels of body dissatisfaction. This positive attentional bias may either be an indicator of a more pronounced pattern of attentional avoidance or a self-enhancing strategy. Further research is warranted to clarify these results.

Effects of the muscular ideal on appearance-related attentional biases in men.

“…In comparing the findings to past research, consistency can be found despite the use of different methodologies (Cho & Lee, 2013;Cordes et al, 2017;Warschburger et al, 2015). Cho and Lee (2013) and Cordes et al (2017) found that men with high body dissatisfaction gazed longer at stimuli considered muscular and attractive.…”

“…Indeed, in another sample of men who were regular resistance exercisers (N = 49), Cordes et al (2017) found that those who gazed for longer durations towards disliked parts of their own body demonstrated poorer body image and mood post exposure. However, attention to one's own attractive regions may also reflect an APPEARANCE-RELATED ATTENTIONAL BIASES 8 attentional avoidance pattern in that attractive regions are favored to avoid distress felt about unattractive regions (Warschburger et al, 2015). Although the behavioral eye-tracking measures indicate attentional allocation is on attractive body regions, the nature of the thoughts accompanying the behavior is unclear.…”

Where Do You Look Visual Attention to Human Bodies across the Weight Spectrum in Individuals with Normal Weight or with Obesity

“…The only observer-BMI-related difference in the current study was that OB spent less time exploring natural body stimuli than normal-weight participants. This could be interpreted as a visual avoidance pattern in order to reduce discomfort [10]. The avoidance of natural stimuli might serve as self-value protection function [38].…”

“…Recent studies have investigated the attentional processing of individuals with eating disorders [8,9] and obesity [10] of their own bodies. Most of these studies investigated the allocated attention to body parts that participants had previously classified as ‘ugly' versus ‘beautiful'.…”

“…In contrast, individuals with eating disorders spend more time looking at their own ‘ugly' body parts [9,11] or performed upward social comparison patterns [12]. Overall, evidence for an attentional bias in individuals with overweight or obesity is heterogeneous [9,10]. A recent review summarised the evidence for heightened body dissatisfaction in individuals with obesity [13].…”