Body evaluation in men: the role of body weight dissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology.

BACKGROUND: Body image dissatisfaction is a significant concern among men, influencing appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. However, research on these correlations is notably deficient in men, largely because body image concerns are unevenly distributed between genders. Therefore, this study aims to assess the various dimensions of concerns about body image in men and explore their associations with characteristics such as sexual orientation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adult men from fitness centers in the Veneto Region, Italy. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Body weight perception and dissatisfaction were evaluated using a Figure Rating Scale (FRS) with 12 male biometric silhouettes. RESULTS: Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the experienced levels of body weight dissatisfaction: those who rated a smaller body (BWsmaller), those who rated a larger body (BWlarger) more highly relative to their own estimated body size, and those who reported implicit neutrality with their current weight (BWneu). BWsmaller participants reported higher levels of eating-related concern, while BWlarger participants exhibited higher levels of muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, the BWlarger group showed the highest degree of quantitative perceptual underestimation of their body weight. Sexual orientation was found to have an impact on body weight dissatisfaction, with bisexual men more likely to desire an increase in weight and gay men more likely to desire a decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight dissatisfaction significantly impacts appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology in males. Tailored interventions that consider individual differences can support the well-being of men. The study provides useful insight into male body image issues, warranting further exploration to inform effective interventions and promote positive body image and mental health in this population.

This study delved into how males feel about their bodies and the impact it has on their thoughts and behaviors. We surveyed adult males and found three groups based on body weight satisfaction: those who wanted to lose, gain, or maintain their weight. Men wanting to lose weight reported more concern about eating, while those wanting to gain weight showed higher levels of muscle dysmorphia, a desire for more muscle mass. Interestingly, sexual orientation influenced these feelings, with bisexual men wanting weight gain and gay men preferring weight loss. This study highlights the importance of tailored support for males based on their unique needs to improve their well-being.

Associations Between Body Weight Dissatisfaction and Diet Quality in Women With a Body Mass Index in the Healthy Weight Category: Results From the 2014-2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined whether diet quality is lower in women with body weight dissatisfaction compared with women without body weight dissatisfaction. OBJECTIVES: (1) Examine the association between body weight dissatisfaction and diet quality among women (18-65 years old) in the healthy weight body mass index (BMI) category, and (2) explore dietary and behavioral patterns among women with body weight dissatisfaction. DESIGN: Data were extracted from the cross-sectional 2014-2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Population-based sample of 507 women with BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intakes assessed by registered dietitians using 2 nonconsecutive computer-assisted multi-pass 24-hour dietary recalls. Diet quality was measured with a slightly modified version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple linear regressions were performed to test the association between body weight dissatisfaction and total HEI-2020 score. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of women with body weight dissatisfaction. RESULTS: Body weight dissatisfaction was not found to be associated with diet quality (ß = -1.73 [-4.18; 0.71], P = .16). However, women who were dissatisfied with their body weight had lower scores for the HEI-2020 total fruits (P = .050) and whole grains (P = .014) components than women who were satisfied with their body weight. Four profiles with different dietary patterns were identified among women with body weight dissatisfaction: "Unhealthy diet with dairy," "Protein and fat," "Vegetables without protein," and "Healthier diet without dairy." CONCLUSIONS: Among women with a BMI in the healthy weight category, overall diet quality was not observed to differ between those with or without body weight dissatisfaction. More research is needed to explore the different profiles of dietary intake in women with body weight dissatisfaction.

Transgender body image: Weight dissatisfaction, objectification & identity - Complex interplay explored via matched group.

In the context of body image and mental health, transgender individuals face distinctive challenges stemming from the complexities of their gender identity journey, societal expectations, and body norms. However, the existing line of research on this topic remains limited. This study explores the complex relationship in transgender individuals between body objectification, body weight dissatisfaction, and eating concerns. A sample of 154 individuals (77 transgenders paired with 77 cisgenders) was recruited via LGBTQ+ groups' mailing lists. Participants completed various questionnaires assessing body image, eating psychopathology, depression, and body objectification. Propensity score matching was performed with different variables: age, current BMI, years of education, current self-identified gender, and sexual orientation. The results revealed that transgender individuals experienced higher levels of body objectification, body weight dissatisfaction, and eating concerns compared to their cisgender counterparts. Additionally, age emerged as a protective factor, as older transgender individuals demonstrated improved body acceptance and self-esteem. Logistic regression analyzes indicated that bulimic behaviors, depressive symptoms, and appearance control beliefs were specific factors significantly associated with being transgender. Our findings highlight the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in navigating their gender identity and body image, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions and support systems.

Transgender body image: Weight dissatisfaction, objectification & identity - Complex interplay explored via matched group / Imagen corporal transgénero: insatisfacción con el peso, cosificación e identidad: interacción compleja explorada a través de un grupo emparejado

In the context of body image and mental health, transgender individuals face distinctive challenges stemming from the complexities of their gender identity journey, societal expectations, and body norms. However, the existing line of research on this topic remains limited. This study explores the complex relationship in transgender individuals between body objectification, body weight dissatisfaction, and eating concerns. A sample of 154 individuals (77 transgenders paired with 77 cisgenders) was recruited via LGBTQ+ groups’ mailing lists. Participants completed various questionnaires assessing body image, eating psychopathology, depression, and body objectification. Propensity score matching was performed with different variables: age, current BMI, years of education, current self-identified gender, and sexual orientation. The results revealed that transgender individuals experienced higher levels of body objectification, body weight dissatisfaction, and eating concerns compared to their cisgender counterparts. Additionally, age emerged as a protective factor, as older transgender individuals demonstrated improved body acceptance and self-esteem. Logistic regression analyzes indicated that bulimic behaviors, depressive symptoms, and appearance control beliefs were specific factors significantly associated with being transgender. Our findings highlight the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in navigating their gender identity and body image, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions and support systems.(AU)

Insatisfacción corporal y comportamientos alimentarios anómalos en una muestra comunitaria de adultos chilenos / Body dissatisfaction and abnormal eating behaviors in a community sample of Chilean adults

Resumen En Latinoamérica se han realizado estudios dirigidos a evaluar la insatisfacción corporal y los comportamientos alimentarios anómalos (CAA), sin embargo se han enfocado principalmente en adolescentes o estudiantes universitarios. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el porcentaje de insatisfacción con el peso corporal (INCP) en una muestra de hombres y mujeres adultos chilenos, analizando la relación de este factor con distintas variables sociodemográficas, psicológicas y conductuales, entre las que figuraron los CAA. Participaron 654 adultos de 18-64 años de edad (436 mujeres, 218 hombres ; con rango de edad de 18-64 años, índice de masa corporal promedio de 25.49 kg/m2), quienes fueron evaluados con base a una batería de cuestionarios de autoreporte. La INCP estuvo presente en 45.9% de la muestra, resultando significativamente mayor en las mujeres que en los varones. Fueron identificadas diferencias significativas en las escalas que evaluaron CAA, en función del índice de masa corporal y el sexo de los participantes, registrando puntuaciones significativamente mayores las mujeres y los participantes con obesidad. Al comparar entre participantes con vs. sin INCP, los primeros mostraron más CAA y menor actividad física. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la INCP puede interactuar e influir sobre los hábitos alimentarios y la práctica de ejercicio físico.

Abstract The aims of this research were to estimate the percentage of body weight dissatisfaction in males and females Chilean adults, assessing its relationship with different sociodemographic, behavioral and psychological variables, and analyzing whether the presence of body weight dissatisfaction acts as a risk factor for some disordered eating behaviors. The 654 participants (436 women, 218 men; age range 18-64 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 25.49 kg/m2) were evaluated with a battery of self-administered questionnaires. The percentage of body weight dissatisfaction in the whole sample was 45.9% and significantly higher in women than men. Significant differences were observed in the clinical scales that evaluated disordered eating in function of the BMI of the participants; in those scales females also showed higher scores than males. Comparing participants with and without body weight dissatisfaction, the first one showed more unhealthy eating behaviors. The results of this study show how body weight dissatisfaction can interact and influence healthy habits, such as a daily eating behaviors and physical exercise.