Body Dissatisfaction in Individuals with Obesity Compared to Normal-Weight Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Body dissatisfaction has been identified as a psychological correlate of obesity that is related to disordered eating, poor self-esteem, and depression. However, not all individuals with obesity are equally vulnerable to these correlates, and ‘normative discontent' is present in individuals with normal weight, too. In this light, the complex relationship of body image and individual weight status seems like a worthwhile direction of research inquiry. As such, this review aims to systematically explore the degree of body dissatisfaction in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight individuals. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted. All quantitative studies of adult samples reporting results regarding differences in body dissatisfaction between individuals with normal weight and obesity were included. Results: 17 articles were found. Across studies, individuals with obesity reported higher body dissatisfaction than normal-weight individuals (questionnaires: d = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.63-1.16, p < 0.001; silhouette scales: d = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.57-2.25, p < 0.001). Meta-regression revealed a significant association of female gender and higher body dissatisfaction (b = 0.60, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The findings underline the severity of body dissatisfaction among individuals with obesity and especially among women. Future research recommendations are discussed.

The Relationship between Weight Status and Depressive Symptoms in a Population Sample with Obesity: The Mediating Role of Appearance Evaluation

“…In line with this assumption, particularly women with obesity report less satisfaction with their body and appearance compared to normal-weight women (e.g. [17]). Albeit research on the subject having mainly focused on women so far, a growing body of literature finds that men also report negative body image and that body image is a concern for them over the lifespan [34].…”

“…Furthermore, studies on the relationship between obesity and body image found a more positive body image in normal-weight individuals compared to individuals with obesity (e.g. [17, 18]). In addition, previous findings indicate that in the general population of individuals with obesity, positive body image tends to decrease as the degree of obesity rises [18].…”

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

“…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]. …”

Association between psychological problems and overweight and obesity in school children

“…In a study conducted with children and adolescents from 9 to 16 years old, overweight/obese participants showed higher BD, lower academic and corporal self-esteem, and higher levels of anxiety (Cebolla, Baños, Botella, Lurbe, & Torró, 2011). Among these factors, BD has been identified as the psychological correlate of obesity most related to depression, especially among women (Al Mamun et al 2007;Ter Bogt et al 2006;Weinberger, Kerstingd, Riedel-Hellerb, & Luck-Sikorskia, 2016). In addition, it can work in the opposite direction because depression can increase the risk of obesity through changes in lifestyle and direct biochemical effects on appetite regulation, so that the person eats to regulate their moods (Aparicio, Canals, Voltas, Hernández, & Arija, 2016;Vannucci et al, 2013).…”