title: Differences in appearance-related commentary, body dissatisfaction, and eating disturbance among college women of varying weight groups.
abstract: This study examined appearance-related commentary, body dissatisfaction, and eating disturbance in 924 undergraduate females. Significant group differences were found in type of appearance-related commentary received across weight groups. Overweight and obese women experienced negative weight and shape-related comments at greater frequencies and positive weight and shape-related comments at lower frequencies compared to underweight and normal weight women. A higher frequency of positive weight and shape-related commentary was associated with less body dissatisfaction for all women and less shape and weight concerns for obese women. These findings suggest that the weight status of young women likely influences the appearance-related commentary that they receive and the manner in which such commentary affects their body image and eating behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA. sherbozo@llu.edu
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Herbozo
authors.forename: Jessie E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Menzel
authors.forename: J Kevin
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056865:Ideal Body Weight; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult