Novaes EMDF, Aquino EML, Gabrielli L, Matos SMA, Griep RH, Fonseca MJM, et al. Percepção de imagem corporal, características socioeconômicas e estilo de vida em mulheres participantes do ELSA-Brasil na Bahia, Brasil. Cad Saúde Pública 2024; 40(2):e00107823.

[This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT107823].

Body image perception and social support as predictors of psychological distress among third trimester pregnant women in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Body image perception and social support during pregnancy can impact the psychological distress levels experienced by pregnant women. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between various components of social support and body image perception on psychological distress levels among pregnant women in their third trimester in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 pregnant women who were in the third trimester and attending selected health care facilities in Ogbomoso, a semiurban city in Oyo State, Nigeria. Body image perception, social support, and psychological distress scales were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and multiple regression), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that 44% of the variation in psychological distress among pregnant women was explained by the background variables, marital status, body image perception, appraisal support, tangible support, belonging support, interaction between body image perception and appraisal support, belong support and tangible support. CONCLUSION: Intervention programs focusing on bolstering tangible support, belonging support and appraisal support are recommended at reducing the psychological distress due to body image perception among pregnant women at third trimester.

Comparative Investigation of Genital Self-image and Sexual Function in Women with and Without a History of Female Genital Cosmetic Procedures: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Despite the increasing growth of female genital cosmetic procedures, the long-term effects of these procedures are not clearly understood. This study was conducted to compare the genital self-image and sexual function in women with and without female genital cosmetic procedures. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 participants (210 women without a history of genital cosmetic surgery and 105 women with it) in Alborz province, Iran, from early February 2023 to mid-May 2023. The sampling was done conveniently. Data collection instruments were Female Genital Self Image Scale and Female Sexual Function Index. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS 16 software using t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The use of laser to tighten the vagina with 77.77% and Perineoplasty with 29.2% were the main cosmetic procedures. The mean duration passed from the surgical procedures was 4.79±3.60 years, while it was 1.13±0.74 years for non-surgical procedures. Women with a history of genital procedures had a higher mean age (39.45±10.38, P=0.023). However, they were lower regarding the level of education (P<0.001), family income (P<0.001), and exercise (P<0.001). Also, they showed a higher number of pregnancies (P<0.001), deliveries (P<0.001), vaginal delivery (P<0.001), episiotomy (P<0.001), and neonates with a weight of ≥3.5 kg (P=0.002). In both groups, midwives and doctors were the most important sources of information about the appearance and function of reproductive system. However, the genital self-image and sexual function of the two groups did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: No difference in sexual self-image and lack of difference in sexual function after cosmetic procedures show the need to pay attention to recommending and selecting these procedures. Public awareness about the diverse and natural forms of the female genitalia, education about the variety of the factors affecting sexual function, reduction of unnecessary interventions, increase in physiological births, retraining doctors and midwives, and multidimensional counseling can help to choose more appropriate candidates for cosmetic procedures.

Testing general sociocultural and coach-related appearance pressures as the factors associated with disordered eating in competitive female athletes participating in various sports.

The aim of the present study was to test the sociocultural Petrie and Greenleaf's (2007) model of disordered eating (DE) in competitive female athletes. Specifically, we tested a model of general sociocultural and coach-related pressures towards body weight and appearance of female athletes as the factors associated with athletes' DE through the mediators such as internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. 515 athletes participated in this study. The mean age of the sample was 19.0 ± 5.9 years. Athletes were provided with study measures on general sociocultural and coach-related appearance and body weight pressures, internalization of appearance ideals, overweight preoccupation and DE. Path analyses showed that general sociocultural pressures were associated with DE directly and through internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. Pressures from coaches were associated with DE through overweight preoccupation and through the internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. The models were invariant across body weight sensitivity in sports and age groups. These results inform DE prevention for female athletes. It is important to increase resistance to sociocultural pressures and pressures from coaches in DE prevention programmes for female competitive athletes of all ages and participating in sports irrespective of sports group (weight-sensitive or less weight-sensitive).

Impact of body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of obese women in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

Obesity is found to have a significant impact on body image perception and overall well-being. This study examines the impact of body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of obese women in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. A sample of 231 obese women was selected from health shops and some fitness centers using snowballing technique (purposive, snowballing technique and convenience). The study employed the descriptive survey design and made use of both descriptive and inferential data analysis approaches. The body shape questionnaire BSQ-34, the inventory of the Stigmatization Situation (SSI) and finally, the psychological well-being tools were used. Also, frequency distributions mean, and standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analysis were employed using SPSS version 23. Our findings indicated that obese women in the Kumasi metropolis were significantly satisfied with their body image. This is a true reflection of their higher self-esteem and standard of living. The body image and perceived stigmatization on the psychological wellbeing of the obese do have some counselling implications. Counselors, nutritionists, and clinical psychologists address specific schemes such as binge eating, dieting, and exercising to build the self-esteem of obese women.

Self-esteem and body image satisfaction in women with PCOS in the Middle East: Cross-sectional social media study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, associated with increased incidence of emotional disorders, anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim was of this study was to investigate whether those women reporting PCOS differed to women without PCOS in measures of psychological well-being including body-image satisfaction and self-esteem across a Middle Eastern population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey link of 21 questions was shared and distributed across social media platforms (Instagram and WhatsApp). The main outcome measured was levels of self-esteem and body image satisfaction in association with symptoms experienced by the participants. RESULTS: 12,199 female subjects completed the survey of whom 3,329 respondents (27.3%) self-reported a diagnosis of PCOS. PCOS respondents felt less attractive compared to non-PCOS respondents (73.9% vs 80.5%, p<0.0001). More respondents with PCOS reported avoidance of their reflection in the mirror (61.7% vs 49.8%, p<0.001) and avoidance of social interactions (22.3% vs 32.3%, p<0.0001). More PCOS respondents wanted to lose weight (75.2% vs 68.5%, p<0.001) with increasing weight being associated with being less attractive (p<0.001). Fewer PCOS respondents felt satisfied/confident compared non-PCOS respondents (38.6% vs 50.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PCOS respondents reported significantly lower measures of self-esteem and body image satisfaction compared to non-PCOS respondents in this population.

Pre-operative body shape concerns moderate excess weight loss trajectory in bariatric surgery patients: a 2-year longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The main research aim was to inspect whether pre-operative body shape concerns and discomfort as Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) scores moderate post-operative weight loss trajectory in bariatric patients. METHODS: Two studies were conducted. Study 1 analyzed cross-sectional data and verified the structural validity of the 34-item BSQ questionnaire on a sample of 327 candidates for bariatric surgery. Study 2 examined longitudinal data, with objective Body Mass Index (BMI) recorded every 6 months, from surgery intervention on, with 5 measurement occasions, from 111 patients who initially completed BSQ as bariatric surgery candidates and then underwent periodic medical post-operative follow-ups, over 2 years. RESULTS: In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis of a single-dimension model yielded acceptable fit indices and high internal consistency levels. Study 2 showed that post-operative excess BMI reduction trend was not linear and pre-operative BSQ scores moderated it, with a higher risk of weight regain in patients who initially were less concerned with their body shape. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings support the structural validity of the BSQ questionnaire in bariatric candidates and call attention on the role of pre-operative body shape concerns on post-operative weight loss trajectories over 2 years, in accordance with a pathoplasty model. They suggest the need for systematic attention on perceived body image and psychological paths aimed to help bariatric patients regain positive attitudes towards their own body. Level of evidence III, well-designed cohort.

Probing corporeal awareness in women through virtual reality induction of embreathment illusion.

We capitalized on the respiratory bodily illusion that we discovered in a previous study and called 'Embreathment' where we showed that breathing modulates corporeal awareness in men. Despite the relevance of the issue, no such studies are available in women. To bridge this gap, we tested whether the synchronization of avatar-participant respiration patterns influenced females' bodily awareness. We collected cardiac and respiratory interoceptive measures, administered body (dis)satisfaction questionnaires, and tracked participants' menstrual cycles via a mobile app. Our approach allowed us to characterize the 'Embreathment' illusion in women, and explore the relationships between menstrual cycle, interoception and body image. We found that breathing was as crucial as visual appearance in eliciting feelings of ownership and held greater significance than any other cue with respect to body agency in both women and men. Moreover, a positive correlation between menstrual cycle days and body image concerns, and a negative correlation between interoceptive sensibility and body dissatisfaction were found, confirming that women's body dissatisfaction arises during the last days of menstrual cycle and is associated with interoception. These findings have potential implications for corporeal awareness alterations in clinical conditions like eating disorders and schizophrenia.

Sexual quality of life and body image of breast cancer patients: uncovering the meaning behind the symptoms / Calidad de vida sexual e imagen corporal de pacientes con cáncer de mama: descubriendo el significado detrás de los síntomas

Abstract: Introduction: Breast cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment can significantly affect different domains of women’s functioning. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the quality of life in women with breast cancer. Method: Our sample consisted of 240 women aged 30-68 (M=52, SD=8.68). Approximately 50% had undergone a mastectomy, while 40% had breast reconstruction. A structured questionnaire consisted of social-demographical data, SQOL-F, EORTC QLQ-C30 & EORTC QLQ-BR23. Results: Results suggest that our BC patients had lower quality of life and more financial difficulties than in most other studies, implying some cultural or health system differences. Not having a mastectomy was associated with better sexual quality of life, global health, and physical functioning. In contrast, women who underwent mastectomy reported impaired body image and sexual functioning, with more prominent breast symptoms. Reconstruction was related to the lower quality of life and no improvement in body image. Conclusions: Sexual quality of life was mainly related to global health status, emotional functioning, treatment side effects and body image. Emotional functioning and side effects were significant predictors of sexual quality of life, while impaired sexual functioning was associated with distorted body image. These findings can serve as guidance for forming interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life. (AU)

Resumen:Introducción: Los síntomas del cáncer de mama y los efectos secundarios del tratamiento pueden afectar significativamente a diferentes áreas funcionales de las mujeres. Objetivo: examinar la calidad de vida de mujeres con cáncer de mama. Método: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 240 mujeres de entre 30 y 68 años (M=52; DT=8,68). Aproximadamente el 50% se había sometido a una mastectomía, mientras que al 40% se le había realizado una reconstrucción mamaria. Un cuestionario estructurado constaba de datos sociodemográficos, SQOL-F, EORTC QLQ-C30 y EORTC QLQ-BR23. Resultados: Los resultados sugieren que nuestros pacientes con BC tenían una menor calidad de vida y más dificultades financieras que en la mayoría de los otros estudios, lo que implica algunas diferencias culturales o del sistema de salud. No someterse a una mastectomía se asoció con una mejor calidad de vida sexual, salud global y funcionamiento físico. Por el contrario, las mujeres que se sometieron a mastectomía informaron problemas de imagen corporal y funcionamiento sexual, con síntomas mamarios más prominentes. La reconstrucción se relacionó con una menor calidad de vida y ninguna mejora en la imagen corporal. Conclusiones: La calidad de vida sexual se relacionó principalmente con el estado de salud global, el funcionamiento emocional, los efectos secundarios del tratamiento y la imagen corporal. El funcionamiento emocional y los efectos secundarios fueron predictores importantes de la calidad de vida sexual, mientras que el funcionamiento sexual deteriorado se asoció con una imagen corporal distorsionada. Estos hallazgos pueden servir como guía para formular intervenciones destinadas a mejorar la calidad de vida. (AU)

Percepção e satisfação corporal de estudantes universitários vegetarianos / Perception and body satisfaction of vegetarian students / Percepción y satisfacción corporal de los estudiantes vegetarianos

INTRODUÇÃO: A percepção e satisfação corporal têm sido amplamente estudadas em diversos públicos, principalmente em estudantes universitários; porém, existem poucas investigações com vegetarianos, sendo assim, torna-se necessário avaliar se o padrão alimentar vegetariano está relacionado com os fenômenos inerentes à imagem corporal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção e a satisfação corporal entre estudantes universitários vegetarianos. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 123 participantes, no qual foram aplicados o Questionário de Imagem Corporal - BSQ (Body Shape Questionnaire) e a Escala de Silhuetas de Stunkard. RESULTADOS: Os dados mostraram que 86,2% dos participantes eram eutróficos (IMC=22,4±3,3), sendo o score obtido no BSQ foi de 84,6 pontos (±36,0) correspondente à leve insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Cerca de 82,1% dos estudantes se mostravam insatisfeitos com a silhueta, dentre estes, 61,4% desejavam diminuí-la. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão alimentar (ovolactovegetariano, lactovegetariano, vegetariano estrito e vegano) não se relacionou com a insatisfação corporal, mas sim o desejo de ter silhuetas magras que são valorizadas pelo padrão de beleza vigente.

INTRODUCTION: For Body perception and satisfaction have been widely studied among different publics, especially among college students; however, there are few investigations with vegetarians. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether the vegetarian eating pattern is related to the phenomena inherent to body image. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body perception and body satisfaction among vegetarian college students. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study with 123 participants, in which the Body Image Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Stunkard Silhouette Scale were applied. RESULTS: The data showed that 86.2% of the participants were eutrophic (BMI=22.4±3.3), and the score obtained in the BSQ was 84.6 points (±36.0) corresponding to a mild dissatisfaction with body image. About 82.1% of the students were dissatisfied with their silhouette, and 61.4% of them wanted to reduce it. CONCLUSION: Dietary patterns (ovolactovegetarian, lactovegetarian, strict vegetarian, and vegan) were not related to body dissatisfaction, but rather the desire to have thin silhouettes that are valued by the prevailing beauty standard.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La percepción y satisfacción corporal han sido ampliamente estudiadas entre diferentes públicos, especialmente entre estudiantes universitarios; sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre vegetarianos, por lo que es necesario evaluar si el patrón alimentario vegetariano está relacionado con los fenómenos inherentes a la imagen corporal. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la percepción corporal y la satisfacción corporal entre estudiantes universitarios vegetarianos. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio transversal con 123 participantes, en el que se aplicaron el Cuestionario de Imagen Corporal - BSQ (Body Shape Questionnaire) y la Escala de Siluetas de Stunkard. RESULTADOS: Los datos mostraron que el 86,2% de los participantes eran eutróficos (IMC=22,4±3,3), y la puntuación obtenida en el BSQ fue de 84,6 puntos (±36,0) correspondiente a una insatisfacción leve con la imagen corporal. Alrededor del 82,1% de los estudiantes estaban insatisfechos con su silueta, entre ellos, el 61,4% deseaba reducirla. CONCLUSIÓN: El patrón alimentario (ovolactovegetariano, lactovegetariano, vegetariano estricto y vegano) no estaba relacionado con la insatisfacción corporal, sino con el deseo de tener siluetas delgadas que son valoradas por el estándar de belleza vigente.

The cost of the perfect body: influence mechanism of internalization of media appearance ideals on eating disorder tendencies in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have examined the relationship between internalization of media appearance ideals and eating disorders. However, few have discussed the relationship between eating disorder tendencies. To fill this research gap, this study was to explore the influencing mechanisms of internalization of media appearance ideals on adolescents' eating disorder tendencies in Chinese cultural context. METHOD: The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, Eating Attitude Test-26, Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, Body Image Depression Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were employed in this study to investigate 1523 adolescents. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0. RESULT: The results showed that: (1) internalization of media appearance ideals had a significant positive predictive effect on adolescents' eating disorder tendencies; (2) internalization of media appearance ideals significantly influenced adolescents' eating disorder tendencies through the mediating role of body esteem and body image disturbance respectively, and also influenced eating disorder tendencies through the chain mediating of both; and (3) social support played a moderating role between body image disturbance and eating disorder tendency. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest distinct pathways through which internalization of media appearance ideals may influence adolescents' eating disorder tendencies. It is suggested that reducing body image disturbance and enhancing social support can help reducing eating disorder tendency.

Exploring the influence of appearance evaluation apprehension: How fear of negative evaluation affects quality of life in people with Vestibular Schwannoma.

People diagnosed with Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) can experience several symptoms both pre and post-treatment. These, alongside the diagnosis experience, can significantly impact their daily life. The present research is a continuation of a larger study aiming to explore the impacts of symptomology and body image/fear of negative evaluation (FNAE) on the quality of life (QOL) for people with VS. The research design was exploratory and involved a nationwide survey with a total of 52 participants. FNAE was assessed using a measurement of the same name, and QOL was assessed using the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life scale (PANQOL). Comparing management groups revealed a significant difference in FNAE with higher scores for surgery compared to radiation treatment. Regression analyses revealed that FNAE significantly accounted for 10.9% of the variance in QOL. However, no symptom was significantly predictive of FNAE. In conclusion, VS is associated with several symptoms that can persist post-treatment. Body satisfaction contributes to QOL and may differ between management types. However, due to inconclusive findings on the predictability of symptoms on FNAE, other moderator factors could influence these direct relationships. Future studies should evaluate the variables that could mitigate or protect from the impacts of FNAE for this population.

Sexuality, intimacy, and body image among adolescents and young adults with cancer: a qualitative, explorative study.

AIM: The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore Danish adolescents and young adults' (AYAs) thoughts concerning sexual health particularly focusing on sexuality, intimacy, and body image throughout a cancer trajectory, (2) to investigate how AYAs experience healthcare professionals address of- and respond to sexual health issues, and (3) to identify AYAs' suggestions on how to support conversation about sexual health. METHODS: A qualitative, single-center study was conducted, including AYAs (18-29 years) diagnosed with cancer recruited at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-February 2023, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twelve participants were interviewed, aged 20-29; five were diagnosed with hematological- and seven with oncological cancer. Our analyses yielded three themes: (1) sexuality and body image as part of the identity, (2) excluding relatives in conversations about sexual health, and (3) uncertainty how to discuss sexual health with healthcare professionals. Finally, the AYAs' suggestions to support conversations about sexual health were organized into six thematic categories. CONCLUSION: In this study, participants experienced altered sexual subsequent impacts on body image and self-esteem during their cancer trajectory. While some adapted to these changes, discussing them with healthcare providers was difficult, especially in the presence of relatives, as the AYAs wanted to shield them from additional concerns. To enhance support, AYAs suggest regular discussions on sexual health and the use of a dialog tool by healthcare professionals.

An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is an extremely unpleasant and unbearable experience that can have a profound impact on a person's life. Compared to other types of cancer, breast cancer has a more severe psychological impact on women. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer. METHOD: A sample of 30 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The research was conducted in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah by the clinical trial method with a two-group pretest-posttest design and a 2 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy for eight sessions. The intervention was carried out individually in weekly 60 min sessions. While the control group received self-help treatment (through an educational book). A demographic questionnaire, Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. For data analysis, means and standard deviations were calculated and repeated measures and the Bonferroni test was conducted using SPSS 26. RESULTS: The results showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function (p < 0.05). Concerning demoralization in the intervention group, the pre-test mean was 16.73 ± 3.33, and it reduced to 11.93 ± 1.49 in the post-test. The body image mean score showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, from 12.47 ± 1.88 in the pre-test to 8.80 ± 3.21 in the post-test. The mean score for sexual function showed an increasing trend, increasing from 18.06 ± 2.29 in the pre-test to 23.07 ± 0.91 in the post-test. There was no significant difference in the mean score of the post-test compared to the pre-test and follow-up in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MICBT can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to improve the psychological symptoms of women with breast cancer, according to this study's results. Trial registration (IRCT20160103025817N6). 2022-04-06.

Body image dissatisfaction during the first year of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: Dissatisfaction with one's body can be distressing; youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at increased risk for body image dissatisfaction given disease symptoms and treatment side effects. Yet, no studies have examined body image dissatisfaction over time in youth with IBD and whether depressive symptoms are associated with change in dissatisfaction. METHODS: Fifty-seven pediatric participants (8-17 years old) newly diagnosed with IBD were enrolled. Youth completed questionnaires assessing body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms shortly after diagnosis (Time 1) and 12 months later (Time 2). Multilevel longitudinal modeling was used to test the extent to which body image dissatisfaction changed across the first year of diagnosis and to test change in body image dissatisfaction as a function of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Findings indicated significant between- and within-person variance in body image dissatisfaction over the 12 months, yet the sample as a whole did not report significant changes in dissatisfaction from Time 1 to Time 2. Children reporting depressive symptoms greater than their individual average over time reported greater body image dissatisfaction. Between-person variation in depressive symptoms demonstrated a significant interaction with time. As an individual's depressive symptoms exceeded the group average, their body image dissatisfaction increased, although less drastically as time since diagnosis progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that body image dissatisfaction is a complex and dynamic construct across youth and that interventions for pediatric IBD patients need to be tailored to the needs of individuals. Methods for assessing body image dissatisfaction efficiently and repeatedly across multiple visits are provided.

The Relationship of Hedonic Hunger, Macronutrient Balance, Nutrition Knowledge, and Body Image and Weight Control with Dietary Intake in Student Athletes and Exercisers.

Dietary intake is known to impact athletic performance. The factors that influence dietary intake have been investigated widely, but their collective effect has not been examined. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between dietary intake and nutrition knowledge, body image, weight control, macronutrient balance, and hedonic hunger. Forty-two student athletes or active individuals were recruited through contact with sporting organisations and course coordinators, advertising via twitter, and flyers posted within university buildings. Nutrition knowledge, body image, weight control, macronutrient balance, and hedonic hunger were measured using the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire, Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire and Contour Drawing Rating Scale, a Weight Fluctuation Measure, Australian Eating Score, and Power of Food Scale, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis, correlation testing, and mean difference testing were applied. Carbohydrate intake, body image disturbance scores, weight fluctuation, and hedonic hunger for food tasted had a significant relationship (R2 = 64.6%, Adj R2 = 0.608%, p < 0.001) with dietary energy intake. Student athletes' dietary intakes are influenced by multiple potentially modifiable factors. Future studies should use larger sample sizes, with interventions focusing on individual modifiable factors to determine how dietary intake can be most significantly impacted.

Mental Health and Body Image and the Reduction of Excess Body Weight in Woman (Polish Sample).

In recent years, excessive body weight has become one of the most serious psychological, biological and social problems. According to forecasts by the World Health Organization, obesity and overweight will continue to increase among both adults and children in the coming years. Poland ranks sixth in Europe in this respect. In 2021, almost 58% of Poles had above-average body weight (overweight or obesity). In Poland, 29% of women are overweight, and 21% of women are obese. Body dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety disorder are indicated as consequences of high BMI in women. Reducing excess body weight improves psychosocial functioning and changes body assessment. The most lasting effects of weight reduction are achieved by a properly selected diet combined with increased physical activity. This results in a change in lifestyle, changes in the levels of metabolic indicators, and changes in one's body image and mental health. Objective: Our objective was to assess changes in body image and mental health among Polish women and their dependence on the weight reduction method used (type of diet and physical activity). Comparative studies involving 122 women were conducted. These women were selected from 1000 volunteers based on BMI criteria. The effects of diet therapy were compared with the effects of diet therapy combined with physical activity. Research tools: The GHQ-12 scale was used to measure mental health, and the Body Esteem Scale was used to measure body image. The study lasted four years. The results showed changes in body image, general mental health index, and BMI in women who dieted and in those who dieted and exercised. In women using a diet combined with physical activity, greater positive changes in mental condition and stronger positive changes in body image, namely in the assessment of satisfaction with sexual attractiveness, physical condition, and body weight control, were observed compared to women using diet therapy alone.

Eating disorder symptom dimensions and protective factors: A structural network analysis study.

Eating Disorders (EDs) and related symptoms pose a substantial public health concern due to their widespread prevalence among both genders and associated negative outcomes, underscoring the need for effective preventive interventions. In this context, deepening our understanding of the interplay between ED symptoms and related protective factors appears crucial. Therefore, this study employed a structural network analysis approach considering both ED symptom dimensions (i.e., drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, and body dissatisfaction) and related protective factors (i.e., body and functionality appreciation, intuitive eating, and self-esteem) to shed light on how these factors are interrelated. A community sample of 1391 individuals (34.4% men; Mage = 26.4 years) completed a socio-demographic schedule and self-report questionnaires. The network showed that the nodes with the highest positive expected influence were body and functionality appreciation, while those with the highest negative expected influence were eating for physical rather than emotional reasons and unconditional permission to eat (i.e., two components of intuitive eating). Crucially, the most relevant bridges between the conceptual communities "ED symptom dimensions" and "Protective factors" were the negative relations between (a) eating for physical rather than emotional reasons and bulimic symptoms, (b) unconditional permission to eat and drive for thinness, and (c) body appreciation and body dissatisfaction. Finally, age, gender, and body mass index did not moderate any edge in the network. The practical implications of these findings are discussed, especially in terms of preventive interventions for ED symptoms.

Perception, action, and the body model.

In 1992, Goodale and Milner proposed to study the visual system based on function, thus dissociating vision for perception (ventral stream) and vision for action (dorsal stream). This became known as the Perception and Action model (PAM). Following the PAM in the visual system, a somatosensory PAM was proposed including a body representation for perception and a separate for action. This review explores the body model of the hand and how it relates to the PAM. The body model refers to the internal representation of the body that is responsible for position sense. Previous research has shown that the representation of the hand features systematic distortions: an overestimation of hand width and an underestimation of finger length. These distortions have been reported using different paradigms, different body parts, and in various settings. Thus, body model distortions appear to be a characteristic of human body representation. If the body model of the hand is distorted, how can actions like reaching and grasping be accurate? We review evidence that body model distortions may in fact provide a functional benefit to our actions, that cortical maps in the somatosensory and motor cortices reflect these distortions, and that actions rely on a distorted body model. We argue that the body model is a product of both the ventral and dorsal somatosensory streams. Further, we suggest that the body model is an example of the inextricable link between the two streams.