![]() ![]() Moreover, individuals with normal weight are far from satisfied with their body shape or size, a circumstance so widespread among women that it has aptly been labeled as a ‘normative discontent' which reaches well into older age categories. However, it seems that not all persons with obesity are equally vulnerable to this problem: Previous evidence indicates lower prevalence of body image concerns in individuals with obesity who are not seeking treatment in comparison to those who are. In light of the negative preconceptions that come with not meeting society's bodily ideals, it seems unsurprising that body dissatisfaction is particularly prevalent in individuals with overweight or obesity and sometimes even related to eating disorders. Interestingly, men seem to be split between those wanting to be thinner and those who wish to be larger and more muscular, a distinction that lead to recommendations of investigating male and female body dissatisfaction separately from each other. Past research has indeed found women to be more likely to strive for thinness. ![]() While the focus in women is on being thin, men are supposed to be moderately muscular as well. These ideals are generally associated with being strong-willed and in control of one's body, and individuals not able to conform to this ideal face substantial stigma. Current Western societies tend to idealize slenderness, and it is assumed that media portrayal of the ideal female or male body has great influence on the way individuals evaluate and experience their physical appearance. As outlined above, while body image is a subjective psychological phenomenon, it is also largely determined by social experiences. Schwartz and Brownell argue that body image might be affected by obesity through psychological distress, which has an impact on quality of life. The link between weight status and body image is complex. While the former tend to make use of figural drawing scales and computer morphing techniques, the latter is often assessed using self-report questionnaires. Assessment tools generally include perceptual accuracy of or attitudes regarding body image like subjective satisfaction, investment in appearance and beliefs about the body, and avoidance behavior. ![]() Similarly to the concept itself, measurement of body image is multidimensional as well, a circumstance that explains why, e.g., weight dissatisfaction does not necessarily imply body dissatisfaction. It describes the subjective evaluation of the degree to which an individual has a positive or negative regard for their body. One facet of attitudinal body image is referred to as body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction. According to this cognitive-behavioral model of body image, personality and physical attributes as well as interpersonal attributes and cultural socialization all play a role in how invested individuals are in their body image and how they evaluate it. īody image is a multidimensional construct and refers to a person's perceptions and attitudes, including feelings, thoughts and behaviors, regarding their own body and appearance. Next to self-esteem and emotional well-being, body image is a key concept believed to be negatively affected in obesity. Obesity is widely considered to be one of the most serious public health problems of recent times, not only increasing health care costs and risk of illness but also burdening individuals with obesity with severe psychological consequences. Future research recommendations are discussed. Conclusion: The findings underline the severity of body dissatisfaction among individuals with obesity and especially among women. Meta-regression revealed a significant association of female gender and higher body dissatisfaction (b = 0.60, p = 0.007). Across studies, individuals with obesity reported higher body dissatisfaction than normal-weight individuals (questionnaires: d = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.63-1.16, p < 0.001 silhouette scales: d = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.57-2.25, p < 0.001). All quantitative studies of adult samples reporting results regarding differences in body dissatisfaction between individuals with normal weight and obesity were included. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted. As such, this review aims to systematically explore the degree of body dissatisfaction in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight individuals. In this light, the complex relationship of body image and individual weight status seems like a worthwhile direction of research inquiry. However, not all individuals with obesity are equally vulnerable to these correlates, and ‘normative discontent' is present in individuals with normal weight, too. ![]() Background: Body dissatisfaction has been identified as a psychological correlate of obesity that is related to disordered eating, poor self-esteem, and depression. ![]()
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