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Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 7819

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Prof. Dr. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

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Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nutrition; physical activity; obesity; exercise and health; body composition; body image perception; native and migrant populations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Luciana Zaccagni

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Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: kinanthropometry; body composition; sports and performance; body image perception; obesity; physical activity and health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As is well known, a person's perception of the body, regardless of its appearance, is referred to as body image. This perception depends on numerous factors: from realistic self-observation to emotions, feelings, memories, and attitudes associated with the body, both consciously and unconsciously.

A misperception of body image can be frequently observed, and this condition can cause anxiety about one's appearance, depressive disorders, and detrimental eating behaviours, especially in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, when an incongruence between perceived body image and ideal body image occurs, the resulting body dissatisfaction can affect the individual's physical and mental health.

The complexity of the relationships between body image perception and weight status/body composition, their trend with age, gender, ethnicity, and physical activity, and their effects on health outcomes need to be studied in depth.

For adolescent and adult health assurance, it is crucial to understand the relationship between perceived body image and actual weight status or body composition. Indeed, this may allow the development of effective interventions to prevent and manage possible eating disorders.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight the latest relevant research in this field. We will therefore welcome all reviews, research papers, and experimental and empirical studies that address aspects related to body image perception and actual physical appearance.

Prof. Dr. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
Dr. Luciana Zaccagni
Guest Editors

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Keywords

body image perception
weight status
body composition
eating disorders
gender
age
ethnicity
anthropometry
physical activity

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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14 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Body Image and Physical Activity, Sociodemographic, and Morphological Variables in Adult Women

by Andrzej Knapik, Ryszard Plinta and Rafał Gnat

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030424 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Studying non-pathological determinants of body image (BI) among adult women is essential to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that shape BI and thus to promote positive mental health, support tailored interventions, address societal impacts, and ultimately facilitate women’s healthier relationships with their bodies. The data available on this particular topic are sparse. The importance of BI for well-being prompted the authors to study its relationships with sociodemographic (age, education level, professional, marital, material status), morphological (body mass index—BMI) and behavioural (habitual physical activity) variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a cohort of 740 volunteer women was conducted with the one-time measurement of the dependent variables—individual components of BI—using the standard Body Esteem Scale (BES) questionnaire. Results: The BMI was a factor differentiating all domains of the BES. Among the analysed sociodemographic variables, intergroup comparisons showed significant effects of education and material status in the following BES domains: sexual attractiveness and weight concern. The physical condition domain showed differences between the categories of professional and material status. The level of physical activity differentiated respondents in the domains of weight concern and physical condition. Conclusions: Adult women are generally critical about their bodies. A factor that adversely affects the BES is an excessive BMI. Sociodemographic factors influence BI to a lesser degree. Physical activity shows a correlation with the BES domain of physical condition, particularly among young women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

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10 pages, 392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predisposing Potential Risk Factors for Severe Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents

by Elena Bozzola, Flavia Cirillo, Cristina Mascolo, Livia Antilici, Umberto Raucci, Benedetta Guarnieri, Annamaria Ventricelli, Elettra De Santis, Giulia Spina, Massimiliano Raponi, Alberto Villani and Maria Rosaria Marchili

Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010021 - 25 Dec 2024

Viewed by 972

Abstract

Background: Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that mainly affects children and adolescents. Most patients present with extreme body dissatisfaction and an obsessive focus on body weight and food. Anorexia nervosa is a complex and multifactorial condition characterised by biological, psychological, and social factors. However, studies that have explored the cumulative risk that predisposes to anorexia nervosa are limited. This study aims to explore the potential risk factors for a severe form of the disease in patients affected by anorexia nervosa and to identify whether they may interact and reinforce each other, contributing to the severity of the disorder. Methods: For this study, we enrolled children and adolescents under 18 years of age hospitalised at IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy, for anorexia nervosa from 1 December 2022 to 31 August 2024, identifying and analysing potential risk factors. Elevated shape and weight concerns were found in all patients. Psychiatric and neurodevelopment comorbidities were identified in 76 patients (51.35%), life stress events in 69 (46.62%), and a family history of eating and weight control behaviours in 39 (26.35%). Out of the sample size, 20.27% of patients did not live in a traditionally structured family. This study used the Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version interview, the Coddington Life Events Scales, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children questionnaires. Results: Patients with an extreme or severe index of anorexia nervosa are more likely to have multiple predisposing factors. In detail, four predisposing factors were found in 18.6% of patients with an extreme severity index, in 15.5% of those with a severe score, and in 10.3 and 10.6% of those with a moderate and mild score, respectively. Conclusions: Cumulative potential risk factors are more likely to be found in cases of severe course disease and patients hospitalised for anorexia. Prompt identification of predisposing factors and an effective plan of action are required to avoid a severe course disorder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

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16 pages, 2657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anorexia Nervosa in Polish Children and Adolescents in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic—An Observational Single Centre Study

by Katarzyna Anna Dyląg, Kamil Paweł Skowron, Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka, Łukasz Drzewiecki, Katarzyna Przybyszewska, Magdalena Król-Dykas, Paulina Dumnicka, Zuzanna Gawlik, Jakub Gawlik, Sebastian Sikora and Krzysztof Gil

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234112 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder with a high mortality rate and significant prevalence in the paediatric population. Preliminary reports during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested an increased incidence of AN among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to analyse new cases of AN before, during, and after the pandemic, with a particular focus on the physical manifestations of the disease. Methods: This single-centre, retrospective study included new AN cases from the hospital database of a regional paediatric hospital (a reference centre for AN) between 2013 and 2023. Data analysed included the duration of the disease, body mass index (BMI), weight loss, length of hospitalisation, laboratory markers (leukopenia, anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hyperferritinaemia, hypophosphataemia, dyslipidaemia, and hypothyroxinaemia) and clinical features of malnutrition (such as amenorrhea bradycardia, pericardial effusion, and cortical/subcortical atrophy). Results: This study was conducted in a Polish regional hospital. We analysed 228 hospitalized female patients aged 10 to 18 years diagnosed with AN, focusing on clinical characteristics, biochemical markers, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was shown to have a significant impact, with longer hospitalisations observed during and after the pandemic and a lower BMI on admission post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. In addition, nutritional treatment became more prevalent over time while biochemical markers such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, hypophosphataemia, and dyslipidaemia were statistically more common post-pandemic. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical course and hospitalisation patterns of paediatric patients with AN. These findings suggest that the pandemic may have exacerbated disease severity and altered treatment approaches, emphasizing the need for enhanced clinical management and follow-up strategies for AN in the paediatric population during such health crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

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13 pages, 631 KiB

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Associations Between Body Appreciation, Body Weight, Lifestyle Factors and Subjective Health Among Bachelor Students in Lithuania and Poland: Cross-Sectional Study

by Vilma Kriaučionienė, Danuta Gajewska, Asta Raskilienė, Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak, Julia Ponichter, Lina Paulauskienė and Janina Petkevičienė

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3939; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223939 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1238

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Positive body image is linked to improved mental and physical well-being, healthier lifestyles, and fewer unhealthy weight control behaviors. Cultural factors also play a role in influencing body appreciation. This study investigated the associations between body appreciation, body weight, lifestyle factors, and subjective health among bachelor’s students in Lithuania and Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1290 students from universities in both countries. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) measured body appreciation, while participants provided self-reported data on their dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, health perceptions, and body weight and height. Linear regression models explored associations between BAS-2 scores, actual and perceived body weight, lifestyle habits, and subjective health. Results: Gender and country-based differences in body appreciation were observed. Lithuanian female students reported a higher median BAS score of 33 compared to 32 among Polish female students (p = 0.02), despite having a higher median BMI (22.3 kg/m² vs. 21.1 kg/m², p = 0.001). Positive body appreciation was linked to healthier dietary behaviors, such as higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and regular breakfasts. Additionally, greater physical activity and sufficient sleep were associated with higher body appreciation, while higher intake of sweets, sugary drinks, and fast food correlated with lower BAS-2 scores. Both BMI and perceived weight were negatively associated with body appreciation, particularly among females. Conclusions: Body appreciation is closely linked to body weight, healthier lifestyle, and positive health perceptions, suggesting that promoting healthier habits may improve body appreciation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

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12 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Mass and Vitamin B6 Are Linked to Negative Body Image in Women with Anorexia Nervosa: A Retrospective Study

by Federica Scarpina, Stefania Cattaldo, Elisa Prina, Paolo Piterà, Federico Brusa, Lorenzo Priano, Leonardo Mendolicchio and Alessandro Mauro

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223902 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 872

Abstract

Introduction. Anorexia nervosa severely impacts the physical body and mental body (i.e., body image). In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between the perceived body image and body composition in women with anorexia nervosa. Specifically, we aimed to verify what components (i.e., weight, body composition, and micronutrients) may predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in this clinical condition. Methods. Weight status and body composition, including the expressions of vitamins, and body image concerns were measured in a sample of 112 women with anorexia nervosa (age in years M = 26.78; SD = 12; range = 14–67). Results. According to the regression analysis, a higher skeletal muscle mass and a higher concentration of vitamin B6 seemed to predict a higher number of symptoms of negative body image in our sample. Conclusions. This study pointed out muscle mass and the concentration of vitamin B6 as involved in the psychological expression of body image concerns in anorexia nervosa, especially at the beginning of the disease. Thus, we may suggest including and monitoring these parameters in routine care for anorexia nervosa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

13 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Longitudinal Study on Body Image Perception and Size among Italian Early Adolescents: Changes over Time and Discrepancies between Genders

by Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, Sabrina Masotti, Natascia Rinaldo, Federica De Luca, Stefania Toselli, Gianni Mazzoni, Simona Mandini and Luciana Zaccagni

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203439 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1144

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The discrepancy between the current perceived body image (BI) and beauty ideals leads to dissatisfaction, which is believed to be common among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the stability in BI perceptions and dissatisfaction during early adolescence. Another aim was to highlight differences in dissatisfaction according to Body Mass Index (BMI) and inconsistencies in weight status perception. Methods: Two hundred and nine participants (mean age at first survey: 11.33 ± 0.38 years) were enrolled in this longitudinal study with three years of follow-up. Data on size and BI perceptions were collected through individual interviews. Stature and weight were directly measured. Results: Findings indicated significant changes over three years in anthropometric traits but not in weight status prevalence or BI perception and dissatisfaction, except for the ideal figure in males and weight control in females. The results also indicated a significant difference in BI perception and dissatisfaction by BMI categories. Self-reported body measurements were found to be unreliable with a weak-to-moderate agreement between self-perceived and actual weight status. Conclusions: BI perception appears quite stable across the three years considered. Dissatisfaction is similar in both genders, although a tendency toward different gender aesthetic ideals is already appreciable in early adolescence. We suggest that the lower frequency of normal-weight adolescents compared with peers in previous studies is attributable to the effects of the recent pandemic. Given the growing dissatisfaction with increasing BMI and misinterpretations of weight status, school actions to promote a healthy lifestyle and positive BI should be undertaken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

10 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Motivates Men to Improve Their Health? Understanding the Roles of Self-Esteem and Influential Others in Behaviour Change

by Lisa S. McNeill

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121916 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1185

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine men’s body image confidence, social reflectivity, body image perceptions and external information sources influence regarding body assessments. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and found that men have a low motivation toward physical health behaviour changes such as food, alcohol and exercise evaluation, and have generally positive views of their bodies overall. Relationship status, rather than age, defined behavioural and attitudinal differences within the men studied here. Men in this study were largely uninfluenced by celebrities or fashion in developing their own body image perceptions; single males were more likely to turn to friends, the female population generally and societal norms when evaluating themselves. Males in relationships however, weighted their partner’s opinion as the greatest influence, followed by their involvement in sport. This study offers an insight into the role of body confidence in male perspectives of the self, which is important for its intrinsic connection to motivations for health behaviours such as body weight management. This has implications for increasing the effectiveness of health-related product and service messaging, and public health messages regarding body weight management for men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults)

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