Prevalence and correlates of body image dissatisfaction in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Dissatisfaction with one's body image is widespread and can have serious health consequences; however, research about its prevalence and correlates in older women is limited. We analyzed data from 75,256 women participating in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, a longitudinal study of postmenopausal women's health. Measures used in the study were collected at baseline and/or the third year of follow-up between 1993 and 2002. The majority of participants (83%) in this study were dissatisfied with their bodies because they perceived themselves as heavier than their ideal. Overall, the multiple and significant correlates of body image dissatisfaction explained 36.2% of the variance in the body image dissatisfaction score, with body mass index (BMI) and change in BMI being the two most important contributors to explaining the variance. The results of this study suggest future research should focus on the utility of interventions to reduce dissatisfaction with body image in postmenopausal women that target either maintenance of a lower BMI through diet and exercise, and/or body acceptance. Further, future research should aim to identify factors in addition to body size that drive body image dissatisfaction.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Desired Body Weight Loss in a Mediterranean Adult Population with Overweight: A PREDIMED-Plus Study

“…In the present study, higher DWL were related to lower levels of physical activity, which was consistent with existing literature [ 24 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. High weight perception has been associated with lower levels of physical activity in adults [ 51 ], however current results are controversial and no definite conclusion can be drawn in this regard [ 50 ].…”

A qualitative assessment of health behaviors and experiences during menopause: A cross-sectional, observational study

“…Indeed, in the 2 to 4 years leading up to menopause, women experience weight gain and a redistribution of body fat to the abdominal depot [1,4]. Women also report greater body image dissatisfaction [17], which may be related to the desire for weight loss or weight maintenance. Additionally, increased body weight — specifically subcutaneous adipose tissue — is associated with more adverse health conditions and more severe VMS during the menopause transition [18].…”

A six-week pilates exercise protocol for improving physical and mental health-related parameters

“…The Pilates method has often been shown to be effective in the increased release of serotonin from the brain. Increased levels of serotonin can be helpful in the reduction of the symptoms associated with depressive symptoms and poor or pessimistic attitudes (Ginsberg et al, 2016;Hassan & Amin, 2011). Further, breathing as an integral aspect of Pilates has been found to have a positive effect on the vagus nerve, which can influence emotional states such as anxiety and depression (Frank, Edwards, & Larimore, 2017).…”

“…The control of large group muscles with coordination, and focusing on breathing may increase aerobic capacity (Caldwell, Harrison, Adams, & Triplett, 2009), and further improve mental health (Kucuk & Livanelioglu, 2015). Heretofore, some researchers have also reported that the holistic approach of Pilates based training may offer physical and psychological improvements for human health (Akbas & Erdem, 2016;Bernardo, 2007;Cruz-Ferreira et al, 2011;Karaman, Yuksel, Kinikli, & Caglar, 2017;Kucuk & Livanelioglu, 2015), and various intensities benefit quality of life, mental health, fatigue, physical fitness levels, and body types in diverse rates (Anderson & Spector, 2000;Arslan, Çakmakçi, Taşkin, Çakmakçi, & Ismet, 2012;Ashrafinia et al, 2015;Caldwell et al, 2009;Campos de Oliveira, Gonçalves de Oliveira, & Pires-Oliveira, 2015;Cruz-Ferreira et al, 2011;Frank, Edwards, & Larimore, 2017;Ginsberg et al, 2016;Hassan & Amin, 2011;Kucuk & Livanelioglu, 2015;Leopoldino et al, 2013;McGrath, O'Malley, & Hendrix, 2011;Memmedova, 2015;Miller & Mesa, 2013;Pourvaghar, Bahram, Sharif, & Sayyah, 2014;Rogers & Gibson, 2009;Roh, 2016;Segal, Hein, & Basford, 2004;Shanazari, Marandi, & Minasian, 2013;Soysal Tomruk, Uz, Kara, & Idiman, 2016;Stan et al, 2012;Şavkın, 2014;Vieira, Faria, Wittmann, Teixeira, & Nogueira, 2013). The method is recommended by health professionals, both as rehabilitative for the people who have diseases, and preventive for undiagnosed or healthy individuals…”