The relationship between body image and anthropometric measurements among adolescent girls during menstrual and non-menstrualtime periods: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: In recent studies, it has been suggested that anxiety about body image increases during menstruation in adolescents and may affect nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adolescents' body images, body perceptions and anthropometric measurements during menstrual and non-menstrual time periods. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a private high school between September-November 2021. Participants were adolescent girls aged 14-18. The questionnaire included information about menstruation, anthropometric measurements, and the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) and Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Results: The mean age (total=291) was 15.9(1.13) years, body mass index (BMI) was 21.13(3.33) kg/m2, waist circumference was 70.48(8.87) cm and the BCS was 97.39(24.59). The majority of students have normal BMI. However, according to waist circumference 28.5% of the them were obese (≥90th percentile). Difference between actual BMIs and body image in the menstrual period was significant (p<0.001), the agreement with each other was slight (K=0.172). There was a significant difference (p<0.001) between actual BMIs and body image in the non-menstrual period and the agreement with each other was moderate (K=0.474). During non-menstrual periods, 79.7% of students with normal BMI perceived their body images as normal, and 70.5% of overweight students perceived as overweight. Conclusions: Since the menstruation is a period in which body image is perceived differently than it is, special consideration of adolescent girls in terms for eating disorders should be encouraged.