The Role of Body Image, Disordered Eating and Lifestyle on the Quality of Life in Lithuanian University Students

Abstract

Purpose. The present study aimed to explore the associations between body image concerns (BI), disordered eating (DE), health-related lifestyle, and the different domains of the quality of life (QoL) in a Lithuanian sample of student-aged men and women. Methods. A mixed-gender sample of students (N = 1850, 58.8% were women, average age 21.6 ± 5.0 years) completed a series of questionnaires, including health-related lifestyles, BI, DE, and QoL. A series of simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Mediation analyses were performed to estimate the size of the total, direct, and indirect effects of variables in the models. Results. The analysis of the linear regressions demonstrated that the positive trait of body areas satisfaction was associated with the significantly enhanced QoL in all domains in both genders (for men β = 0.29–0.34; for women β = 0.26–0.33; p < 0.001). DE was associated with a poorer psychological QoL domain in women only (β = −0.07; p = 0.047). The drive for muscularity was associated with a lower QoL in men (β = −0.06–(−0.141); p < 0.05). Body areas satisfaction mediated the associations between body mass index and psychological and physical QoL in both genders (TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.975; CFI (comparative fit index) = 0.997; RMSEA (Root of the Mean Square Error) = 0.053). Conclusions. Positive traits of BI play essential roles in the QoL of student-aged women and men. The present study adds empirical evidence emphasizing the importance of integrating education about positive body image while implementing healthy lifestyle and QoL promotion programs in student-aged men and women.

Effect of an education and mindfulness-based physical activity intervention for the promotion of positive body image in Lithuanian female students

“…There were no mean age and BMI differences between the intervention and control groups. The BMI, leisure-time exercise, body image concerns, disordered eating scores were very similar to the mean scores that were reported in previous research with a large Lithuanian student sample [36].…”

“…Our sample represented healthy young women with low body image concerns that reflect the tendencies which were observed in other large samples of Lithuanian female students [ 36 , 41 ]. At baseline, we found no significant differences between intervention and control groups except for a higher level of perceived media pressures and lower physical activity level in the intervention group.…”

Gender Differences in Healthy Lifestyle, Body Consciousness, and the Use of Social Networks among Medical Students

“…Apacio-Martienz et al [ 49 ] showed that disordered eating attitudes were strongly linked to self-esteem, body image, the desired body, and the use of social media, especially among female subjects. Baceviciene et al [ 66 ] identified the relationship between satisfaction with body image and quality of life among college students. Ansari et al [ 67 ] pointed out that high BMI and depressive symptoms were found more often among students dissatisfied with their weight.…”

The Role of Plant-Based Protein Functional Food in Preventing Acute Respiratory Disease: A Case Study

“…Prior studies have noted that human health can be affected by a combination of factors, including the living environment [ 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ]. Upon moving from across the country to the place of their study, students need to adapt to a new climatic and social environment [ 78 ].…”