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

Llamazares, María del Camino Escolar; Martín, María Ángeles Martínez; Medina-Gómez, María Begoña; Alonso, María Isabel García; Mercado-Val, Elvira; Lara-Ortega, Fernando

doi:10.3390/ejihpe13030046

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 60 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The university life and the resulting change in the social environment is a special time in terms of changes in the level of physical activity and eating habits, which may increase the risk of obesity [45][46][47]. The process of studying at the university is also a complex experience for young people, during which they encounter factors that predispose them to increased susceptibility to mental disorders [48]. Anxiety connected with own appearance is the experience of being judged by others based on physical appearance, which may negatively impact individuals in their social life, including their academic and professional life [3].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Body image and willingness to change it—A study of university students in Poland

Platta,

Mikulec,

Radzymińska

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The present study aimed to identify declared patterns of ideal appearance among students at selected higher education institutions in Poland. In the present study, we set out to identify the body image and the propensity to change it. In order to achieve the goal of the study, a nationwide survey was carried out using a voluntary diagnostic survey. A total of 810 respondents took part in the survey. The study was conducted using a custom-made self-designed survey questionnaire with an indirect interview technique via a web-based platform (CAWI). The study results indicate that women were far more eager to maintain an attractive appearance through dieting than men. Importantly, the respondents, both women and men, did not identify influencers as role models of attractive appearance. Results of the present survey reveal that attitudes towards one’s physical appearance are diverse and influenced by the considered factors. The attributes that determined the perception of oneself as an attractive person included height, weight, and body build. Normal body weight is a key feature of an attractive appearance, according to the respondents; nevertheless, students show a higher tolerance for being overweight than for being underweight. Furthermore, preferences in this respect are largely conditioned by individual personal characteristics. According to young people, a person with an attractive appearance is one who eats and exercises regularly, and who does not fall into extremes in terms of their appearance. On the other hand, the fear of growing fat and losing one’s attractive appearance was frequently indicated among the concerns over personal appearance. Only one in five respondents expressed complete satisfaction with how they looked, with men and those with a normal BMI significantly more likely to do so. Respondents expressed readiness to undertake a range of activities related to increased exercise regime, changes in their eating habits, or seeking assistance (e.g., of a personal trainer) to achieve the desired body shape. Our findings can be used as a basis for discussion and consideration in developing educational activities on nutrition, as well as on overweight- and obesity-related health issues.

show abstract

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Body image and willingness to change it—A study of university students in Poland

Platta,

Mikulec,

Radzymińska

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, eating problems, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, which are prevalent among university students, exert a profound impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing (22,23) . The severity and prevalence of these diseases underscore that they are a significant public health concern, necessitating comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment, often involving frequent hospitalisations (24)(25)(26) .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review

Almoraie,

Alothmani,

Alomari

et al. 2024

Nutr. Res. Rev.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

University life is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits and attitudes. However, university students are at risk of developing poor eating habits due to various factors, including economic conditions, academic stress, and lack of information about nutritional concepts. Poor diet quality leads to malnutrition or overnutrition, increasing the risk of preventable diseases. Food environments on university campuses also play a significant role in shaping the dietary habits of students, with the availability of and accessibility to healthy food options being important factors influencing food choices and overall diet quality. Disordered eating habits and body dissatisfaction are prevalent among university students and can lead to eating disorders. Income and living arrangements also influence dietary habits, with low household income and living alone being associated with unhealthy eating habits. This study is a narrative review that aimed to address nutritional issues and eating behaviours, specifically among university students. We investigated the eating behaviours of university students, including their dietary patterns, food choices, and food environments. The objective of this review was to provide insights into the nutritional issues and eating behaviours of university students, with the aim of identifying target areas for intervention to improve the overall health and well-being among college students. University food environments need to be restructured to promote healthy eating, including the availability, accessibility, affordability, and labelling of healthy foods, and policies to limit the availability of unhealthy foods and drinks on campus.

show abstract

“…They are currently a huge challenge for healthcare [22]. Going through college is also a complex experience for young people, during which they encounter factors predisposing to increased susceptibility to mental disorders [6]. Chronic exposure to stress directly affects health and the secretion of cortisol responsible for increasing appetite and, consequently, the amount of food consumed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eating-Related Health Behaviors and Body Perception: a Study of Young Adults in Poland

PLATTA,

MIKULEC,

RUSZKOWSKA

et al. 2023

zntj

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background. The time of studies and the change in the social environment resulting from taking up education at a university is a time of complex experiences for young people, during which they encounter factors that predispose them to change their eating habits and to increased susceptibility to mental disor ders. The lifestyle of university students who aim to shape their health behaviors in their new environment is mediated by a multitude of factors. Therefore, in the present study, we seek to identify health behaviors (eating behaviors, the use of stimulants and addictive substances - tobacco) in terms of self-perception of an appearance among students at selected higher education institutions in Poland. This empirical study was conducted using a custom-designed questionnaire with an indirect interview technique via a web based platform (CAWI) in the period from 1 February to 31 March 2023. The study covered 805 respond ents, of which 461 were women and 344 men. Results and conclusions. It has been shown that a high level of satisfaction with body parts and nor mal body weight are factors influencing the self-assessment of the quality of life, health and nutrition among young adults. An interesting phenomenon that has been observed is the influence of the level of satisfaction with body parts on the frequency of eating and preparing meals. In addition, all young people unequivocally believed that one’s appearance is important in the life of a modern person. In their opinion, it plays a particularly important role in finding a well-paid job and a life partner. The results contribute to an understanding of potential pathways of healthy eating development, thereby highlighting possible intervention targets.

show abstract

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

Cited by 7 publications

References 60 publications

Body image and willingness to change it—A study of university students in Poland

Body image and willingness to change it—A study of university students in Poland

Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review

Eating-Related Health Behaviors and Body Perception: a Study of Young Adults in Poland

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About