Secular trends in body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among adolescents (2007–2017/2018)

Abstract

Objective To assess secular trends in body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among adolescents over a 10-year period (2007-2017/2018). Methods The sample included 1,479 (2007, n = 531; 2017/2018, n = 948) high school adolescents of both sexes, aged 14 to 18 years, of schools in a city in southern Brazil, in 2007 and 2017/2018. Data were collected on sex, age, physical activity (IPAQ, short form), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds), and body image dissatisfaction (figure rating scale). The variables were compared with Independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. The associations between sex and other variables were examined with chi-square test, and the factors associated with body image were identified with multinomial logistic regression. Results Most adolescents were dissatisfied with their body image in 2007 (65,2%) and 2017/2018 (71,1%). The prevalence of body dissatisfaction increased by 9.2% over the 10-year period, particularly dissatisfaction with thinness (21.3%). After stratification by sex, in 2017/2018 sample, dissatisfaction with overweight was 46.1% greater in boys, and dissatisfaction with thinness was 66.9% greater in girls. Factors found to be significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction were physical activity level, and body adiposity. Conclusions There was a secular trend toward increased body image dissatisfaction in both sexes. Future efforts should go beyond scientific production, in public and private environments aimed at increasing awareness of health issues related to body care in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains.

Factors associated with the adoption of extreme weight control behavior by non-obese adolescents: a secondary analysis

“…This inconsistent result may be due to differences in research participants or sociocultural backgrounds, so further consideration through repeated research is needed. According to a study by Gonzaga et al [ 53 ], boys’ dissatisfaction with being overweight increased in 2017/2018 compared to 2007, which demonstrated a higher pattern than dissatisfaction with being thin. There was no gender difference in weight bias internalization, which indicated the degree of negative, prejudicial attitudes toward persons with obesity [ 54 ].…”

Individual and Combined Association between Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Body Weight Dissatisfaction in a Sample of Adolescents from Southern Brazil

“…In addition, the chi-square test for heterogeneity and Fisher's exact test were used to identify possible differences between groups according to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with body weight. Considering the determinant relationship that gender plays in the individual perception of body weight and the different factors associated with satisfaction/dissatisfaction with body weight [10], analyses were conducted and stratified according to sex.…”

“…In addition to the sociodemographic aspects highlighted above, there is growing evidence showing the direct relationship between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., inadequate eating habits, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption) and bodyweight dissatisfaction [2,4,7,9,10]. Inadequate eating habits (i.e., foods with high caloric density, rich in sodium, fat, and sugar) [4] and physical inactivity [11] contribute to an individual's energy balance, leading to an increase in body weight, which is ultimately connected to feeling dissatisfied with one's body weight [4,11].…”