Abstract

ARAUJO, Ana Catarina  and  OLIVEIRA, Andreia. Body image (di)satisfaction: association with food consumption and nutritional intake. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2019, n.16, pp.18-24. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2019.1604.

Introduction: Body image dissatisfaction could be associated with different eating practices, however evidence seems scarce and focused in specific groups, such as students, women and adolescents. Objectives: To evaluate the association between body image (dis)satisfaction and food and nutritional intake in young adults. Methodology: A total of 111 young adults (18 to 35 year-old) were selected through convenience sampling. Body image perception was assessed using the Stunkard Scale and categorized into satisfaction, dissatisfaction by deficit (negative difference between actual and desired body image) and dissatisfaction by excess (positive difference between actual and desired body image), representing, respectively, the desire to increase and decrease body size. Dietary intake was estimated by a self-reported Food Frequency Questionnaire, previously validated. Associations were assessed through linear regression (βÌ‚ coefficients and the respective 95% confidence intervals - 95%CI), after adjustment for age, education and physical exercise, and sex stratification. Results: Women were more dissatisfied with their body image by excess than men (57.3% vs. 30.6%, p=0.009), while men were more dissatisfied by deficit (27.8% vs. 9.3%, p=0.009). Men dissatisfied by deficit (desire of increasing body size) showed higher consumption of fish and seafood (βÌ‚=181.0, 95%CI:38.3;323.6), eggs (βÌ‚=23.1, 95%CI:2.9;43.2), fruit (βÌ‚=191.3, 95%CI:90.0;292.5) and vegetables (βÌ‚=221.6, 95%CI:99.7;343.4), which led to significantly higher intake of energy, protein (total energy intake %), dietary fiber, vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, when compared to men satisfied with their body image. In women, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions: The majority of young adults are dissatisfied with their body image, with almost 30% of men expressing a desire to increase their body size. This body image dissatisfaction by excess was associated with higher intake of fishery and eggs, as well as fruit and vegetables, and therefore, a higher intake of energy, protein (as % of energy intake), fiber, vitamin B12, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and sodium.

Keywords : Young adults; Food consumption; Eating habits; Body image; Nutrient intake.

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