Body Image Dissatisfaction (BID) Prevalence Among University Students with Self Practiced Weight Loss Efforts

Abstract

Body image often triggers behavioral, mental and emotional response and future risks of eating disorders. University students are more exposed to different media that allow them to become concerned about their image. This concern leads to dissatisfaction regarding weight among them. Onset of unsafe weight loss attempts and longtime effects are considered to be the greatest threat of this dissatisfaction regarding one‟s body image. This study has examined the BID (Body Image Dissatisfaction) prevalence among university students in Bangladesh. It also showed the association with the weight control behaviors and methods among the students who are dissatisfied with their body status. We have done cross sectional study and collected around 402 data from Bangladeshi university students through face to face interviews and google forms. A validated bi lingual questionnaire (body type questionnaire -BSQ-14) was used to collect data online to rate the body image perception in students. Multiple questions were asked regarding demographic status, weight loss approach, and short-term complications. The acquired data were then examined and statistically evaluated using Graph-Pad Prism 9 and IBM SPSS v25. Most participants were city-centered and are at the honors level. We have identified BID (Body Image Dissatisfaction) is present among both men and women in different percentiles. We have found nearly 50% of men are dissatisfied with their body image when asked about the Body image questionnaire. In the case of females, analysis showed a higher level of BID for men than for women. No significant differences were observed for BID among the four age groups. BID is frequent in our country. It contributes significantly to choose weight control strategies among students. The study recommended providing youth with awareness programs about healthy lifestyle choices and including health education in the curricula of schools and institutions. The study provided some recommendations and suggestions for future research subjects and discussed the findings in light of the relevant literature.