Body image dissatisfaction and associated weight-related perceptions: Implications for obesity intervention efforts

Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is associated with decreased self-esteem yet little is known about how BID corresponds to weight-related perceptions. Data for this study are drawn from an ongoing obesity communication trial. A total of 697 individuals responded to baseline survey items pertaining to BID and weight-related perceptions. BID was assessed using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale, wherein respondents select a figure that best reflects (A) how they think they look and (B) their ideal figure (BID=A-B). Only 13% of individuals selected the same image rating how they looked and their ideal. Almost half of the sample (49%) rated themselves as two figures above (heavier) than their ideal, with overweight and obese individuals showing disproportionally greater levels of BID (52% and 86%, respectively). Individuals with higher BID perceived themselves to be at greater risk for becoming obese, were more worried about gaining weight, and perceived less control over their chances for becoming obese. Greater BID also corresponded to lower self-efficacy in controlling one's weight. Those with higher BID were significantly less likely to endorse fruit and vegetable consumption and more likely to endorse diet pills and gastric bypass surgery as an effective means to control weight. Although higher BID was associated with greater intentions to lose weight, the methods endorsed were based on pharmaceutical or surgical approaches for weight loss rather than lifestyle approaches. BID appears to be highly prevalent and may undermine public health efforts to address the obesity epidemic.