The Association of Body Image Self-Discrepancy With Female Gender, Calorie-Restricted Diet, and Psychological Symptoms Among Healthy Junior High School Students in Japan

Abstract

Background: Body image self-discrepancy reflects a preference for weight loss regardless of normal body size and is a distorted cognition that may be a precursor to eating disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with body image self-discrepancy among healthy junior high school students in Japan.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at one junior high school in Saitama, Japan, in December 2016. After excluding obese participants (defined as 20% above their ideal weight), 304 students (mean age, 13.9years; n=181 girls, 59.5%) who fell into underweight (n=22, 7.2%) and normal weight categories were selected. Body image self-discrepancy was measured using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale which includes eight separate figures representing body sizes. We then calculated the difference by subtracting ideal from current body sizes and defined body image self-discrepancy if the difference >1.Results: Girls constituted 92% (n=49) of the 53 students with body image self-discrepancy. In all students, multivariable stepwise models demonstrated that female gender (OR, 6.92, 95% CI: 2.33–20.51), a calorie-restricted diet (OR, 5.18, 95% CI: 2.22–12.05), and psychological symptoms (OR, 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15–1.87) were significantly associated with an increased risk of body image self-discrepancy. Specifically for girls, an increased risk of body image self-discrepancy was associated with calorie-restricted suppers and psychological symptoms.Conclusion: Body image self-discrepancy among healthy adolescents in Japan was found to be closely linked to being a girl, having a calorie-restricted diet, and having psychological symptoms.

Feasibility of a Theory-Based, Online Tailored Message Program to Motivate Healthier Behaviors in College Women

“…Height and weight were self-reported to calculate an average BMI of 23.6 kg/m 2 , which is similar to a UConn sample of young adult college women recruited prior to the pandemic [ 46 ]. Most of the women did not have a large discrepancy in their body size perception, contrary to the expected higher body size discrepancies reported in the literature [ 73 , 74 ]. The sample displayed a moderate level of dietary restraint, which is similar to a pre-pandemic sample but with a different dietary restraint measure [ 46 ].…”

“…The Scale consists of 9 figures (males and females) representing underweight to obese body types [ 84 , 89 ], including figures 1–2 as underweight, 3–4 as normal weight, 5–6 as overweight, and 7–9 as obese. The body size discrepancy variable used in the analysis was ideal body figure subtracted from current figure as a proxy of body dissatisfaction [ 73 , 74 , 90 , 91 ]. The variable was treated continuously to test relationships with responses to information, motivation, confidence and categorical as Body Discrepancy (scores greater or less than 1) versus No Body Discrepancy (scores 0 or ±1) to describe the sample and test survey and message feasibility.…”

“…Factors such as body size perception and dietary restraint influence women’s health behaviors [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] and may influence their response to the messages and impact their motivation or confidence for behavior change [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Evidence suggests intersecting relationships between body size perception, dietary restraint, diet quality and physical activity in young women, where body size perception or dietary restraint influence eating behaviors, diet quality and physical activity [ 21 , 46 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 ].…”

Metformin: Sex/Gender Differences in Its Uses and Effects—Narrative Review

“…Although MTF is widely prescribed worldwide as a first-choice medication for T2DM [ 47 ], few studies have seen the light regarding use by gender. Although women are more concerned than men about their body image [ 48 ], and MTF may show a modest effect on weight loss [ 49 ], women are usually prescribed lower MTF doses compared to men (and they report more gastrointestinal side effects) [ 50 ]. In a Dutch study, although women reported/experienced more gastrointestinal drug reactions during the first months of MTF treatment, the rate of the latter dropped in a way analogous to that in men [ 50 ].…”

Attitudes and Awareness of High School Students About Healthy Eating and Behavior

“…Despite their normal weight, high school students tend to observe episodic diets, which can contribute to the development of eating disorders [18,19].…”