Body Image Dissatisfaction Is Increased in Male and Overweight/Obese Adolescents in Botswana

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine linkages between obesity, physical activity, and body image dissatisfaction, with consideration of socioeconomic status (SES) and urbanization in adolescents in Botswana. Materials and Methods. A nationally representative, cross-sectional survey in 707 secondary school students included measured height and weight to determine overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) using World Health Organization standards; physical activity (PA) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and body image satisfaction using the Body Ideals Questionnaire. SES was described by private school versus public school attendance. Results and Discussion. OW/OB students felt farther from ideal and greater dissatisfaction with their weight and body proportions than optimal weight students. Boys felt greater difference from ideal and more dissatisfaction with muscle tone, chest size, and strength than girls. Lower SES students and those from rural villages had more minutes of PA than higher SES or urban students. In this rapidly developing African country, these trends reflect the nutrition transition and offer opportunity to motivate OW/OB students and boys for PA as a health promotion obesity prevention behavior. Conclusions. As urbanization and improved SES are desirable and likely to continue, the public health system will be challenged to prevent obesity while preserving a healthy body image.

Factors Associated with Excess Weight in a Sample Population of School Adolescents

“…In this study, adolescents with excess weight had OR aj 1.27 (CI 95% : 1.03 to 1.58) more likely to perceive their health unsatisfactorily. These results are similar to those found in other studies 25,26 . Excess weight is associated with various adverse health outcomes caused by physical, social and emotional problems 27 .…”

Body image satisfaction, weight perception and knowledge of obesity among adolescents in Kaski district, Nepal

“…Rate of dissatisfaction was found high among overweight (44.9%) and obese (57.9%) in comparison with underweight (32.8%) and normal (20.7%) adolescents. A study conducted in Botswana in 2012 found greater dissatisfaction among overweight and obese in comparison with normal and underweight adolescents (7).…”

“…Underweight, overweight and obesity are well established factors for body image dissatisfaction among the adolescents. Several studies conducted in the developing countries have found a significant association of overweight and obesity with the body image dissatisfaction (7)(8)(9). Overweight and obese adolescents are often found to underestimate their body weight while underweight and normal adolescents over estimate their body weight (10).…”

The relationship between female adiposity and physical attractiveness amongst adults in rural Ranaka village, Botswana

“…The only study we could access suggests that overweight and obesity among adolescents in Botswana are associated with body image dissatisfaction. 8 This study included mainly girls (61%) from an urban area and the mean age of students was 14.9 years. 8 As such, more studies need to be done to investigate whether or not obesity is considered as physically attractive, particularly in the rural adult population of African countries.…”

“…8 This study included mainly girls (61%) from an urban area and the mean age of students was 14.9 years. 8 As such, more studies need to be done to investigate whether or not obesity is considered as physically attractive, particularly in the rural adult population of African countries. Such information may help to develop targeted interventions to tackle the growing overweight and obesity problems in Africa.…”