Body Image and Restaurant Meal Consumption Among College Students

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between body image satisfaction/dissatisfaction among college students and meal consumption at restaurants. Methods Four surveys were used to collect all data: NEMS-P, SATAQ-3, SATAQ-4 and the EDE-A. NEMS-P was used to assess the food and nutrition environment, SATAQ-3 was used to assess societal influences on body image, SATAQ-4 was used to assess the internalization of appearance ideals and the EDE-A survey was used to measure eating disorder psychopathology. Participants had to be enrolled as a student during the 2019–2020 academic year on the college campus where this study occurred to participate. Pearson and Spearman correlation were used to assess association between restaurant meal consumption and body image. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorial variables (n = 185). Results There was a significant association between students who were unhappy with their weight consuming meals more frequently at fast-food restaurants compared to sit down restaurants (P < 0.001); there was also a significant association between students who were unhappy with their weight choosing to eat at a combination of restaurants (fast-food, food courts, cafeteria's etc.) more frequently than sit-down restaurants (P < 0.05). A significant association was also noted between students who were unhappy with their shape choosing to eat more frequently at fast-food restaurants compared to sit-down restaurants (P < 0.05). Conclusions A higher mix of fast-food and fast casual restaurants on the college campus may contribute to an obesogenic environment, while the availability of sit-down restaurants may contribute to a more healthful eating environment. Creating a supportive nutrition environment on college campuses by increasing the availability of healthy food choices and providing resources that can assist students with developing a healthy relationship with food and their bodies is important for overall health, well- being and academic success. Funding Sources N/A.