Body Image in Students: Relationship with Eating, Media Influence, and Self-esteem

Abstract

Introduction: This study was carried to examine the body image satisfaction and its relationship with self-esteem, body mass index (BMI), and influence of media on body image. Another objective was to observe any existing relationship between gender and body image dissatisfaction. Materials and methods: Exploration of relationship of body image satisfaction with BMI, media influence, self-esteem, and other variables like socioeconomic demographic data, overall satisfaction in life (academic/professional), and current health status was carried out via a cross-sectional study using 5-item-based Likert scale in 303 participants. Results: Males showed less concern about body image. Significant relationship of body mass was seen with BMI (p < 0.001), eating attitude (p < 0.001), influence of media (p < 0.001), and self-esteem (p < 0.001). Overweight students had a significantly higher prevalence of dissatisfaction (p < 0.001) than students with low weight who reported a higher body image satisfaction. Conclusion: To conclude, this study proves that there exists a significant relationship between eating attitude, media influence, and self-esteem with body image. Adequate anticipatory measures are required for improvement in individuality, selfacknowledgment, and individual contrasts while keeping up ideal weight and dynamic lifestyle.