Effects of exposure to bodies of different sizes on perception of and satisfaction with own body size: two randomized studies

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction is prevalent among women and associated with subsequent obesity and eating disorders. Exposure to images of bodies of different sizes has been suggested to change the perception of ‘normal’ body size in others. We tested whether exposure to different-sized (otherwise identical) bodies changes perception of own and others' body size, satisfaction with body size and amount of chocolate consumed. In Study 1, 90 18–25-year-old women with normal BMI were randomized into one of three groups to complete a 15 min two-back task using photographs of women either of ‘normal weight’ (Body Mass Index (BMI) 22–23 kg m−2), or altered to appear either under- or over-weight. Study 2 was identical except the 96 participants had high baseline body dissatisfaction and were followed up after 24 h. We also conducted a mega-analysis combining both studies. Participants rated size of others' bodies, own size, and satisfaction with size pre- and post-task. Post-task ratings were compared between groups, adjusting for pre-task ratings. Participants exposed to over- or normal-weight images subsequently perceived others' bodies as smaller, in comparison to those shown underweight bodies (p < 0.001). They also perceived their own bodies as smaller (Study 1, p = 0.073; Study 2, p = 0.018; mega-analysis, p = 0.001), and felt more satisfied with their size (Study 1, p = 0.046; Study 2, p = 0.004; mega-analysis, p = 0.006). There were no differences in chocolate consumption. This study suggests that a move towards using images of women with a BMI in the healthy range in the media may help to reduce body dissatisfaction, and the associated risk of eating disorders.

Does repeatedly viewing overweight versus underweight images change perception of and satisfaction with own body size?

“…In terms of satisfaction with own body size, we also found different results from our previous study [19]. We found no differences in VAS-or questionnaire-rated satisfaction with body size.…”

“…Limitations of these previous studies include small sample size [16][17][18], and images lacking in ecological validity since they were uniformly modified to appear of different sizes rather than manipulated in line with typical patterns of weight gain [19]. Further possible limitations of previous studies are their reliance on measures that are susceptible to bias due to demand characteristics: that is, participants inferring the aim of a study and trying to be 'good subjects' by attempting to respond in the way they believe will assist the researchers [20].…”

Changes in the Prevalence and Correlates of Weight-Control Behaviors and Weight Perception in Adolescents in the UK, 1986-2015

“…In 2015 and 2005, boys in the normal weight range became more likely to think they were overweight compared with 1986, whereas girls became more likely to think their weight was about right when underweight in 2015 compared with 1986 and 2005. Greater public health focus on calorie restriction and exercise, [43][44][45][46] the proliferation of the fitness industry, 47 and growing societal and media portrayals of lean female and male bodies 48-52 could have led to adolescents' increasingly internalizing thin body ideals 53 and weight stigma, which are known correlates and predictors of restrictive eating behaviors, poor self-esteem, and depression. 54,55 A recent systematic review on young people's view on body image and weight in the UK found that children with higher BMIs report appearance-based bullying resulting in social iso-lation and low mood 56 and that young people think it is a person's responsibility to maintain a healthy weight-an idea often reinforced by media 57 -leading to high levels of selfblame for failing to lose weight.…”

Body Size Adaptation Alters Perception of Test Stimuli, Not Internal Body Image

“…Clearly, media can shape our beliefs and attitudes, but can exposure to certain body types change the way we actually perceive our own bodies? Recently, several studies suggested that this might be the case and proposed visual adaptation, i.e., a shift in perceptual judgment after prolonged exposure to a certain stimulus, as one of the mechanisms that may be involved in this process (Hummel et al, 2012b; Brooks et al, 2016; Bould et al, 2018; Stephen et al, 2018). According to this emerging theory, exposure to idealized, often extremely thin bodies (e.g., “size zero” models) causes our own body to be perceived as fatter than it really is.…”