The relationship between body image discrepancy and body mass index across ethnic groups.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to examine at what body mass index (BMI) body image discrepancy (BD) was reported in a community sample of 389 white, Hispanic, and black women. In addition, we assessed the trajectory of the BMI-BD relationship as BMI increases by ethnic group.


METHODS
All participants were assessed on height and weight and completed the Figure Rating Scale.


RESULTS
We found no difference in the proportion of women in each ethnic group reporting BD. However, white women experienced BD at a lower BMI level (BMI = 24.6), and below the criterion for overweight (BMI = 25). In contrast, black and Hispanic women did not report BD until they were overweight (BMIs of 29.2 and 28.5, respectively). Compared with black and white women, Hispanic women registered increases in BD at smaller increases in BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings could have unhealthful implications for weight control behavior. The results encourage a closer look at ethnicity and BD, and their relationship to obesity and weight control.
Fitzgibbon
M L
ML
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. mlf056@nwu.edu
Blackman
L R
LR
Avellone
M E
ME
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People