Body Mass Index and Body Image Anxiety in a Sample of Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Purpose: The study purpose is to estimate in which range the body image dissatisfaction affects the young women in our research group and to determine how objective these perceptions are. The main question this research raises is if the body image acceptance, which is a subjective variable is in a significant correlation with BMI as an objective parameter? Material: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on a sample of 160 white female first-year undergraduate students, homogenous, with a mean age of 20,3 years (SD = 0,68), attending physical education classes. BMI and BDI were calculated on anthropometrical measurements and questionnaires. Results: 79 % of the questioned girls have difficulties in accepting their body image, even 87,7% of the subjects have been in normal and underweight category. A strong and significant correlation between BMI and BDI was found r=64 (p< .0005). 41% of body dissatisfaction index is determined by body mass index and subsequent by weight and fat deposits. Both these parameters could be improved through physical education means and a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions: Summarizing the study results is acceptable to consider BMI values as useful predictors of body dissatisfaction risk among young female. Through physical education they gain confidence and positive body awareness alleviating anxiety related to physical appearance.