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

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.

Sociodemographic Variables and Body Mass Index Associated with the Risk of Eating Disorders in Spanish University Students

“…Fortunately, recent systematic revisions and meta-analyses have demonstrated theoretical and methodological advances in the field of the prevention of EDs. The calculations of the latest meta-analyses suggest that at present over half (51%) of preventive interventions reduce the risk factors and somewhat over a quarter (29%) reduce the prevalence and the incidence of present and future eating pathologies [ 3 , 27 , 57 , 74 , 75 ]. Preventive eating disorder interventions may also be effective in preventing the onset of subclinical and full syndrome eating disorders [ 27 ].…”

“…Despite the abundance of the literature, some authors [ 27 , 34 , 57 ] point out the importance of to carry out more research to better understand the risk of suffering DEs in the university population. As noted out by [ 30 ] eating disorders are more prevalent among university students compared to the general population.…”

The Role of Body Shame and Age on Appearance-Based Exercise and Positive Body Image in Women from Poland: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis

“…It may mean that, regardless of age, shame towards the body may foster problematic behaviours towards the body and consolidation of negative beliefs about it. Importantly, drawing attention to the fact that the aspect described in the theory of objectification—body shame—is so important may be crucial because, as it is well known, the mechanisms described above significantly increase the risk of the emergence of, among other things, eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, performing plastic surgeries harmful to health, depression and compulsive exercise [ 24 , 33 , 50 , 51 , 52 ].…”

“I Want Different for My Child:” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Mothers’ Histories of Disordered Eating and the Impact on Their Parenting Approach

“…Disordered eating behaviors impact 13% of young women and 7% of young men in the United States (Jiménez-Limas et al, 2022). Eating disorders (EDs) are mental health disorders characterized by eating and body image disturbances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).…”

“…Disordered eating behaviors are considered an important risk factor for EDs (Jiménez-Limas et al, 2022). A person with disordered eating behaviors is at high risk for EDs (Uchoa et al, 2019), particularly if disordered eating is not detected, treated, and continues progressing over the years.…”