Relationship between body image and body mass index in college men.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined cognitive and affective dimensions of body image of a randomized sample of 188 college men on the basis of body mass index (BMI).


METHODS
They conducted chi-square tests and ANOVAs to determine differences between 4 BMI groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) on demographics and body image measures.


RESULTS
The authors found significant differences in regard to total body image (p < .001), weight or shape concern (p < .001), and body dissatisfaction (p < .001). BMI was significantly correlated with negative body image. Overweight and obese participants reported significantly higher levels of negative body image than did normal- and underweight participants. Overweight participants reported significantly higher weight and shape concerns than did underweight, normal-weight, and obese participants. In regard to body dissatisfaction, underweight, overweight, and obese participants reported significantly higher levels of body dissatisfaction than that reported by normal-weight participants.


CONCLUSIONS
BMI may be an important factor in identifying potential body image disorders in college-aged men.
Watkins
Julia A
JA
University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224-2673, USA. jwatkins@unf.edu
Christie
Catherine
C
Chally
Pamela
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D003710:Demography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities