Prevalence and associated factors with body image dissatisfaction among adults in southern Brazil: a population-based study

Body Image. 2011 Sep;8(4):427-31. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2011.05.009. Epub 2011 Jul 20.

Abstract

We investigated the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (BID) and associated factors in Florianopolis, Brazil. BID was analyzed in a sample (N=1720) of adults through the Figure Rating Scale. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and morbidities. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used. More men (14.2%) than women (6.1%) presented BID by being lighter than ideal (LI). Conversely, more women (66.6%) than men (46.3%) showed BID by being heavier than ideal (HI). BID by being HI was higher among older women, those with high BMI and those with a partner. In men, lower BMI and the presence of common mental disorders were associated with BID due to being LI. Advanced ages, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, and obesity were associated with BID due to being HI. We must consider different public health interventions for men and women to reduce BID in Brazilian adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / ethnology
  • Brazil
  • Choice Behavior
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Ethnicity / psychology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Factors
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Young Adult