Eating disorder risk and body dissatisfaction based on muscularity and body fat in male university students.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between risk of eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and perceptual attractiveness in male university students.


METHODS
Research was conducted January-April 2012 and involved 339 male and 441 female students.


METHODS
Eating disorder risk was assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and body dissatisfaction and perceptual attractiveness determined with the Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG).


RESULTS
There was a positive correlation (r=.16, p<.01) between the EAT and fat dissatisfaction and a negative correlation (r=-.14, p<.05) for muscle dissatisfaction, 28% of the males had an EAT score indicating that they were at risk for an eating disorder. Males chose a significantly more muscular and leaner body type than what females chose to be attractive.


CONCLUSIONS
College-aged males may be at risk for eating disorders based on distortions in their perceived ideal body image, both for fat and muscle.
a Department of Dietetics and Nutrition , Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University , Miami , Florida.
Carrie
C
Mayo
Valerie
V
George
D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000067029:Physical Appearance, Body; D012306:Risk; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities
Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG); Eating Attitudes Test; anabolic-androgenic steroids; body dissatisfaction; male university students