Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder, gender differences and association with body mass index among medical students in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterised by a preoccupation with some perceived defects or flaws in an individual’s physical appearance which often go unnoticed by others. The preoccupation causes marked stress and impairment of a person’s normal functioning. Limited studies have examined the prevalence based on the newer DSM-5 criteria for BDD, with very few done in Pakistan thus far. Studies on the association of BDD with BMI are limited and have yielded conflicting results. Objective: This study aimed to assess the point prevalence of BDD and gender differences, along with its association with BMI in medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited medical students in a medical university in Lahore. Systematic random sampling was employed, the participants’ BMI was measured and a standard self-report questionnaire was filled by participants. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used for group comparisons and associations between categorical variables, while Spearman’s Rank Correlation was applied for continuous variables. Results: Of the 215 students included (109 males, 106 females), the prevalence of BDD was 4.65% (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females). The mean BMI was 23.07 ± 3.88 kg/m2, with 60.5% classified as normal weight. No significant association was found between BDD and BMI. Overall, 62.3% of students reported body dissatisfaction; males most often cited hair and fat, whereas females reported skin concerns, with significantly higher skin-related concerns among females (p = 0.010). Conclusions: BDD is notably prevalent among medical students, involving both genders equally, and is unaffected by BMI. The findings underscore the importance of addressing concerns related to outward appearance, suggesting a need for mental health support and early intervention in medical educational settings.