Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022

Jiménez-Limas, Karime; Miranda-Barrera, Verónica Anayansi; Muñoz-Díaz, Karla Fernanda; Novales-Huidobro, Samantha Ruth; Chico-Barba, Gabriela

doi:10.3390/ijerph191811482

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Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022

by

Karime Jiménez-Limas

^1,*

,

Verónica Anayansi Miranda-Barrera

¹,

Karla Fernanda Muñoz-Díaz

¹,

Samantha Ruth Novales-Huidobro

¹ and

Gabriela Chico-Barba

^1,2,*

¹

School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City 03920, Mexico

²

Nutrition and Bioprogramming Coordination, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City 11000, Mexico

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11482; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811482

Submission received: 2 August 2022 / Revised: 26 August 2022 / Accepted: 8 September 2022 / Published: 13 September 2022

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Mental Health)

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Abstract

University students, as young adults, are at risk for Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and Distorted Body Image (DBI), which are related to Disordered Eating Behaviors (DEBs). This study aimed to assess changes in the prevalence of these three conditions over six years; and the associations between them. Data was collected through an annual online survey from 2017 to 2022 at a private university in Mexico City. Students between 18–30 years old were invited to participate. Body image-related variables were assessed by the Stunkard’s Silhouettes and Body Mass Index, by self-reported height and weight. Disordered Eating Behaviors were measured by the Brief Disordered Eating Behaviors Questionnaire. A median of 250 students participated per year, with a median age of 21 years old. The prevalence was 63.5–71.7% for BD, 40.4–49.1% for DBI, and 25–38.3% for DEBs. DEBs and BD showed associations during the whole period (OR from 3.6 to 15.9, p ≤ 0.001); as well as DBI with DEBs (OR from 1.9 to 3.3, p < 0.05). Alterations in Body Image and eating behaviors are common conditions, mainly in women and in the young population. Therefore, it is important to promote screening for these conditions, as they usually remain undiagnosed, their prevalence is increasing worldwide, and their impact on physical and mental health has already been acknowledged.

Keywords: Body Dissatisfaction; Distorted Body Image; Disordered Eating Behaviors; Risky Eating Behaviors; Body Image; Desired Body Image; Body Percept; Body Perception; Mexico; Young Adulthood

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MDPI and ACS Style

Jiménez-Limas, K.; Miranda-Barrera, V.A.; Muñoz-Díaz, K.F.; Novales-Huidobro, S.R.; Chico-Barba, G. Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 11482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811482

AMA Style

Jiménez-Limas K, Miranda-Barrera VA, Muñoz-Díaz KF, Novales-Huidobro SR, Chico-Barba G. Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(18):11482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811482

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jiménez-Limas, Karime, Verónica Anayansi Miranda-Barrera, Karla Fernanda Muñoz-Díaz, Samantha Ruth Novales-Huidobro, and Gabriela Chico-Barba. 2022. "Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 18: 11482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811482

APA Style

Jiménez-Limas, K., Miranda-Barrera, V. A., Muñoz-Díaz, K. F., Novales-Huidobro, S. R., & Chico-Barba, G. (2022). Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18), 11482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811482

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Body Dissatisfaction, Distorted Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors in University Students: An Analysis from 2017–2022

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