title: Characteristics of women with body size satisfaction at midlife: results of the Gender and Body Image (GABI) Study.
abstract: This study characterizes the profile of women (N = 1,789) ages 50 and over who report body size satisfaction on a figure rating scale. Satisfied women (12.2%) had a lower body mass index and reported fewer eating disorder symptoms, dieting behaviors, and weight and appearance dissatisfaction. Interestingly, satisfied women exercised more than dissatisfied women, and weight and shape still played a primary role in their self-evaluation. Weight monitoring and appearance-altering behaviors did not differ between groups. Body satisfaction was associated with better overall functioning. This end point appears to represent effortful body satisfaction rather than passive contentment.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychiatry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC.
authors.forename: Cristin D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Runfola
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Von Holle
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Peat
authors.forename: Danielle A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gagne
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Brownley
authors.forename: Sara M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hofmeier
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bulik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction