Body image and dietary habits in adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

Context Adolescence is a critical developmental stage in which increasing concerns about body image (BI) coincide with the consolidation of dietary habits (DHs). Multiple studies have sought robust associations between BI and DHs to prevent unhealthy behaviors. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available literature on the association between BI perception (BIP) and/or satisfaction (BIS) and DHs in adolescents. Data Sources A search was carried out of 5 electronic databases (PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane, Embase, and PsycInfo) using a combination of keywords (and synonyms) related to adolescence, BI, and diet. Data Extraction Data screening, extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 investigators using the PRISMA and AXIS guidelines. Data Analysis Of 2496 articles screened, 30 articles, published in English or Spanish, that evaluated the relationship between BI and DHs in adolescents aged between 10 years and 18 years, were included. A relationship between accurate BI perception in adolescents and healthy DHs was reported in 5 articles (16.2%). A relationship between overestimation of body weight in adolescents and healthy DHs was reported in 4 articles (13.3%). A relationship between underestimation of body weight and unhealthy DHs was reported in 8 articles (26.7%). In addition, 4 articles (13.3%) reported a relationship between BIS and healthy DHs. The desire to gain weight was associated with unhealthy DHs in 3 (10%) of the articles, while the desire to lose weight was related to healthy DHs in 3 (10%) of the articles and to unhealthy DHs in 3 (10%) other articles. There were also gender differences in the relationship between BIP or BIS and DHs. Conclusion Adolescents who underestimate their body weight tend to report less healthy DHs than body weight overestimators. Adolescents unsatisfied with their BI and with a drive for thinness frequently engage in DHs linked to losing weight. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020184625.

Eating Disorder Attitudes and Body Self-Image of Urban Mediterranean Adolescents

“…In this research, female participants showed greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than males, although the percentages recorded in the two tools used (EDI 3-RF and BSQ) were different. Studies show that this dissatisfaction is more common among adolescent girls because, among other factors, at the onset of puberty there is an increase in weight resulting in a higher proportion of body fat [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. It could also be attributed to the fact that pubertal changes tend to be later in boys [ 42 ].…”

“…This divergence could be due to the social influence with ideal body types, as girls lean towards slimmer body shapes and therefore engage in what they perceive as weight-reducing behaviors, while boys prefer to have a muscular body and wish to gain weight. In addition, teenage boys tend to underestimate their weight while girls tend to overestimate their weight [ 39 ].…”

The Changing Body: Importance of Adequate Adolescent Development

“…In its conformation, it includes evaluative aspects (such as satisfaction or concern with appearance) mainly regarding shape and weight and is strongly influenced by social, ethnic, cultural and economic conditions [7]. BI is linked to personal confidence, self-esteem, eating and exercise behaviors and other factors that can interfere with people's daily lives and well-being [8].…”

Body Image Perception and Satisfaction of Junior High School Students: Analysis of Possible Determinants

“…Body image (BI) is a psychological term related to self-image that predominantly refers to the visual representation of one’s own body shape and size, regardless of their actual body shape and size, and also includes subjective perceptions, feelings, and thoughts about that representation [ 1 ]. BI is thus a multidimensional construct that refers to one’s perceptions of and attitudes toward one’s own physical characteristics.…”