Gender differences in body-esteem among seniors: Beauty and health considerations

Predictive Model of the Relationship between Appearance, Eating Attitudes, and Physical Activity Behavior in Young People amid COVID-19

This cross-sectional study conducted in Poland explored the relationship between the fear of negative appearance evaluations, eating disorders, and physical activity objectives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale (FNAES), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and the Physical Activity Goals Inventory (IPAO) were administered to 644 participants (455 males with a mean age of 35.2 ± 6.2 years and 189 females with a mean age of 30.18 ± 5.7 years). This study explored the effects of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on FNAES, EAT-26, and IPAO scores. The results of this study demonstrated that females scored higher on fear of negative appearance, peaking at 41-50 years of age. Distinct BMI categories were associated with different negative appearance fear scores, eating attitudes, and physical activity objectives. Significant correlations were also found between the fear of negative appearance, dietary attitudes, and physical activity goals. Eating attitudes completely moderated the relationship between the fear of negative appearance and physical activity objectives. A significant interaction effect of age and body mass index on physical activity objectives was also revealed. These results highlight the relevance of considering gender, age, and body mass index when examining the associations between the fear of negative appearance, eating attitudes, and physical activity objectives.

The Persian version of the body esteem scale among Iranian adolescents: a translation, psychometrics, and network analysis

Introduction

The psychometric properties of the body esteem scale have not been assessed in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate and determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the body esteem scale among Iranian adolescents.

Methods

The sample of this methodological study consisted of 504 adolescents [mean age: 16.55 (SD = 1.54) years] living in Tehran City, Iran. After translation of the scale, its content validity (quantitative and qualitative) and structural (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated. Exploratory graph analysis was performed to determine the number of factors. Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and maximal reliability were calculated.

Results

In the content validity evaluation step, all items had acceptable scores and were retained. The results of exploratory factor analysis with Promax rotation and exploratory graph analysis extracted three factors accounting for 49.49% of the variance, comprising 18 items. Furthermore, after necessary modifications during CFA, the final model was approved. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed. Cronbach's alpha, CR, and MaxR for all constructs were greater than 0.7, demonstrating good internal consistency and construct reliability.

Conclusion

According to the results, the Persian version of the body esteem scale has a valid structure and acceptable reliability. Health professionals, in many ways, can use this scale.

Body image explains differences in intuitive eating between men and women: Examining indirect effects across negative and positive body image

Intuitive eating is an adaptive and flexible form of eating. Men report higher rates of intuitive eating than women. Objectification processes are proposed to underlie this (binary) gender difference due to the intense body-related pressures that disrupt body image in women. The current study is the first known to test whether body image indirectly explains lower levels of intuitive eating in women relative to men. A cross-sectional sample of 498 adults aged 18-74 years recruited through Prolific completed an online survey assessing intuitive eating and negative and positive body image indicators. Women reported poorer body image and lower levels of intuitive eating compared to men. Significant indirect effects suggested body image explained gender differences in intuitive eating, controlling for age and body mass index. In women relative to men, greater body surveillance and lower aesthetic satisfaction explained lower total intuitive eating and reliance on hunger and satiety, greater aesthetic investment explained lower total intuitive eating and eating for physical reasons, and lower functionality investment explained lower body-food choice congruence. More research is needed, but findings suggest programs may benefit from decreasing critical views of appearance and strengthening functionality investment in women to reduce gender differences in intuitive eating.

The Mediating Effect of Negative Appearance Evaluation on the Relationship Between Eating Attitudes and Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance

OBJECTIVE

Body-image disturbance and eating disorders are significant physical and mental health problems in China. Attitudes toward the body are thought to work in conjunction with other established risk factors for dietary pathology, which include body dissatisfaction, dieting, and negative effects. Negative appearance evaluation may be valuable for extending our understanding of measuring factors and potential causal relationships associated with body image and eating problems. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between negative appearance evaluation and a combination of eating attitudes and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and the mediating effect of negative appearance evaluation on the relationship between eating attitudes and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance.

METHODS

We invited 339 Chinese adults to undergo the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale (FNAES), and the Sociocultural Attitudes toward Appearance (SATAQ-3) scale, and used AMOS 24.0 for model construction and mediating effects testing.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between EAT-26 scores and FNAES (p < 0.001) and SATAQ-3 scores (p < 0.001), and all dimensions except internalization general were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between FNAES and SATAQ-3 scores for all dimensions (p < 0. 01). There was no significant direct effect of eating attitude on sociocultural attitude toward appearance; however, there was a significant mediating effect of fear of negative appearance evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that negative appearance evaluation fully mediates the relationship between eating attitudes and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance. An individual's attitude toward eating affects negative body perceptions and thus their perception of their own body shape. Our exploration of the specific effects of eating attitudes on body perception provides a psychological basis for guidance and developing interventions regarding attitudes toward the body.

The Relationship between Obligatory Exercise and Eating Attitudes, and the Mediating Role of Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

A strong sociocultural context could affect an individual's aesthetic standards. In order to achieve a socially recognized ideal appearance, obligatory exercisers might increase dieting behavior when exercise actions are disturbed, thereby placing the individual at risk of eating disorders. The current study mainly examined the relationship between obligatory exercise and eating attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and considered the mediating role of externalized sociocultural attitudes towards appearance between the two. A total of 342 participants (175 females, 167 males) from various regions of China were invited to fill out the questionnaires including the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire, the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, and the Eating Attitudes Test. In total, 51.5% of the participants presented symptoms of an obligatory exercise behavior. Among them, males, young adults, and the participants with lower BMI had higher OEQ scores, whereas females and young adults had higher EAT-26 scores. Meanwhile, 9.4% of the participants might have had an eating disorder. The OEQ score was positively correlated with the EAT-26 total score as well as SATAQ-3 'Pressures' and 'Information' subscales. In addition, the EAT-26 total score was positively correlated with the SATAQ-3 'Pressures' and 'Information' subscales. Externalized sociocultural attitudes towards appearance served as a mediator between obligatory exercise behavior and eating attitudes, and the mediation effect accounted for 56.82% of the total effect. Obligatory exercise behavior may have an indirect effect on eating attitudes through sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Given the sociocultural information and pressures, in order to maintain or pursue an ideal appearance, many people tend to keep a pathological diet. Thus, forming a positive and healthy social aesthetic orientation is beneficial in helping obligatory exercisers to develop reasonable eating habits.

Body image in COPD and its relation with physical activity levels, lung function and body composition: An observational study

INTRODUCTION

Body image has been previously defined as the mental figure we have of the contours and shape of our body; and the feelings concerning these characteristics. A change in body perception can influence one's feelings of self-worth and compromise functional abilities. Thus, the detection of distortions in body image could be important data for clinical evaluation of subjects with COPD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the body image perception of subjects with COPD. Also, to investigate the association between body image and levels of physical activity in these subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

109 subjects were recruited and divided into the COPD group and control subjects without any pulmonary conditions. For this cross-sectional study, we performed an initial evaluation and participants were evaluated regarding physical activity level, body image (silhouette scale) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Finally, we performed the evaluation of lung function (spirometry) and body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance).

RESULTS

BothCOPD and control subjects presented alterations in body image. Both groups desired significantly lower BMI and weight measures, according to the silhouette scale, demonstrating body dissatisfaction (P < .05). No differences in the level body dissatisfaction were found between Control and COPD groups (P > .05). No associations between physical activity levels and body image were observed (P > .05; r = -0.24 to 0.14).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, patients with COPD present significant body dissatisfaction, similar to control individuals. Furthermore, body image perception in COPD is related to body composition measurements but not to physical activity levels.

The role of body image in sexual satisfaction among partnered older adults: a population-based study in four European countries

Body image issues can affect all domains of sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to examine how, in a sociocultural context where physical and sexual attractiveness is equated with young and slim body ideals, appearance dissatisfaction and importance are related to sexual satisfaction in older adults in four European countries. A cross-sectional survey with probability samples of the population aged 60-75 years was used. Only respondents with a partner were included in this paper, and the countries included Norway (n = 957), Denmark (n = 846), Belgium (n = 612), and Portugal (n = 367). Sexual satisfaction, appearance dissatisfaction, and importance were assessed, and frequency of intercourse/kissing and cuddling, relationship satisfaction, age, and body mass index were all used as control variables. Belgian men scored significantly lower on sexual satisfaction, while there was no difference in sexual satisfaction in women. Appearance dissatisfaction was lower in Scandinavian women and men, and in Belgian men, and appearance salience was lower in Norwegian men and women, and in Portuguese women. Linear regression analysis revealed that, adjusting for confounders, appearance dissatisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction in Scandinavian women and men, as well as in Belgian men. Compared to research on younger adults, appearance evaluation appeared to play an equally important role in sexual satisfaction in older adults in our study. The variation in appearance dissatisfaction in older adults across European countries is a novel finding that needs to be examined further.

Association of Body Esteem with Fitness and Body Fat Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Secondary Analyses from a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Survival rates among cancer survivors have improved; however, treatments affect body esteem. Body esteem can significantly affect quality of life and depression following cancer treatment. The purpose of these secondary analyses was to examine the relationship between changes in fitness and body fat with changes in body esteem among colorectal cancer survivors who participated in a randomized controlled trial that tested the effects of a 12-week physical activity intervention.

METHOD

Male and female colorectal cancer survivors (< 5 years since diagnosis) participated in a randomized controlled trial that tested a 12-week moderate-intensity physical activity intervention. Body esteem, fitness (estimated VO₂ peak), and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were assessed at baseline and follow-up visits (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months).

RESULTS

Forty-six colorectal cancer survivors (57 years old, 57% female) completed the study. Improvements in fitness were associated with improvements in body esteem among males at 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits, while improvements in body fat were associated with increased body esteem at 12-month follow-up among females. Improvements in fitness and body fat among stage 0-2 survivors were associated with significant improvements in body esteem, with no significant changes among stage 3 survivors.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study showed that improved fitness and body composition can improve body esteem among these survivors; however, differences exist among gender and disease stage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00230646?term=Pinto&cond=Colorectal+Cancer&rank=2.

Anthropometric and dietary differences among Mexican older adults with and without adequate body image perception

OBJECTIVE

We compared anthropometric and dietary indicators between groups of older Mexican adults with accurate or inaccurate body image perception (BIP).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 201 older adults (age ≥ 60 years) of both sexes who completed the Stunkard scale for BIP, which consists of nine silhouettes with an equivalent of body mass index (BMI) status, then, the accuracy with their real BMI was calculated and reported energy and macronutrient intake through a 24-h dietary recall directed by different geriatric centers in Colima, Mexico. Basic anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We found that 71.1% of the older adults had inaccurate BIP; 66.6% underestimated their body mass and 4.5% overestimated their body mass, the other 28.9% hat accurate BIP. The overall concordance between the real nutritional status and BIP was poor (kappa coefficient = 0.03). The inaccurate BIP group had a significantly higher mean body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and arm and calf circumference compared to the accurate BIP group (p < .001); only 4.3% of the older adults who were overweight and 6.2% who were obese had an accurate BIP. Regarding dietary consumption, we found significant differences only in energy and carbohydrate intake between the two groups. Finally, excess body fat was associated with an inaccurate BIP (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.5).

CONCLUSION

In older adults, an inaccurate BIP is generally associated with high anthropometric values and less than adequate dietary intake.

Sex-Specific Glucose Homeostasis and Anthropometric Responses to Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Patients

Bariatric surgery rapidly and effectively treats obesity and its comorbidities like dysregulated glucose homeostasis. Despite the sex-balanced incidence of obesity in most human populations, women have sought this intervention more frequently than men. However, as the number of bariatric surgeries rapidly rises, it is increasingly urgent to understand how sex-specific differences may emerge in metabolic and anthropometric parameters. Hundred fifty-four obese patients (47% men and 53% women) from the Bialystok Bariatric Surgery Study underwent sleeve gastrectomy and were measured for 25 parameters at baseline (immediately prior to surgery) and at four follow-up visits over one year. We used generalized linear mixed models to detect sex-specific differences in the time series of responses parameters. Unlike most previous studies with older cross-sections of men than women, our cohort was age-matched, and men were less healthy at baseline. Of parameters that showed a significant cohort-wide (across-sex) response, 14 (56%) also showed sex-specific responses with men improving more than women. In particular, men remitted in diabetes symptoms more strongly, rapidly, and durably than women. Taken together, our results indicate that men may benefit more from sleeve gastrectomy and that this difference in improvement may be related to more progressed morbidity prior to surgery independent of age.

The Body as an Object of Stigmatization in Cultures of Guilt and Shame: A Polish-Vietnamese Comparison

The aim of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in body stigmatization between the individualistic Christian culture of guilt (Poland) and the collectivistic Buddhist/Confucian culture of honor and shame (Vietnam). The study included 1290 university students from Poland (n = 586) and Vietnam (n = 704). Subjects filled in the body esteem scale and the perceived stigmatization questionnaire, and body measurements were collected to calculate anthropometric indices. Participants from Vietnam were less satisfied with their appearance than their Polish peers. Men in both countries assessed themselves more favorably. No anthropometric index predicted body esteem in Vietnamese women, while only indices related to fat levels were predictors in Polish women. Men with a V-shaped body assessed themselves as stronger and as having a better physical condition. A possible explanation of the observed cross-cultural differences is that interdependent self-construal makes young adults in collectivistic societies more susceptible to criticism, and the Confucian values of modesty and shame lead to them not perceiving their bodies as sexual objects. The Christian sense of guilt does not influence the perception of sexuality. Absence of friendly behavior mediated the relation between anthropometric indices and body esteem in both cultures.

How Health-Related Behaviors Predict Body-Esteem in Men

While there is a general consensus on the biological implications of health-related behaviors, there is little research on the implications of health-related behaviors on body-esteem in a nonclinical population of men. This study aimed to examine, using a multidimensional measure of health-related behaviors and controlling for body mass index (BMI), whether body-esteem in men can be predicted by health-related behaviors. Five hundred and sixty-one men between the ages of 30 and 45 years ( M = 35.42, SD = 4.41) completed the Body-Esteem Scale (BES), the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI), and a questionnaire covering anthropometric measures including height and weight. Multiple regression analyses revealed that health-related behaviors (including positive nutrition habits, positive attitude, and healthy practices) significantly predicted body-esteem, R²_adj = 0.05, F(5, 540) = 6.91, p < .001. The results are discussed in relation to healthy lifestyle promotion interventions targeting men.

Resilience, self-esteem, and body attitude in women from early to late adulthood

Background

There are only a few papers dealing with the correlation power of mental resources (i.e. resilience and self-esteem) and attitude towards one’s own body in women at different ages, from youth to late adulthood. The aim of the article was to present the results of research focusing on the influence of mental resources (resilience and self-esteem) on development of anti-health or health-promoting attitudes in adult women towards their own bodies.

Participants and procedure

The study involved 150 female participants aged 20–55 years. The following research methods were applied: the Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale SES, the Scale of Resilience Measurement SPP-25, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale by Thomson and Gray, the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI), the Body Esteem Scale BES by Franzoi and Shields, the Eating Disorder Inventory EDI, and the Questionnaire of Behaviour Towards the Body.

Results

The conducted analysis indicated a relevant relation between individual resources (both general self-esteem and mental resiliency) and cognitive emotional attitude towards one’s own body in the examined women. The predictors of behaviours towards one’s own body in the examined women turned out to be only a strong drive to be thin and fear of gaining weight. The strongest predictors of self-assessment of the body and the evaluation of physical attractiveness were general self-esteem and resilience. Self-esteem turned out to be the strongest predictor for satisfaction with sexual attractiveness.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis of distorted body image, and adopting a negative attitude towards it, can help to make more detailed psychological diagnosis of individual’s resources (resiliency and self-esteem) and their role in the development of the attitude towards one’s own body.

The Role of Motivation to Reduce Obesity among Elderly People: Response to Priming Temptation in Obese Individuals

The risk of obesity-related disorders is increased among the elderly, so changing eating habits can be an important element of prevention. The main aim of this article is to consider whether looking at pictures that present either fattening food or healthy food may motivate elderly people to change their nutrition habits. Might priming different kinds of food influence the attractiveness of the food for people in late adulthood undergoing obesity therapy? Based on priming theories, we analysed the effects of the conscious processing of stimuli associated with dietary habits in individuals aged with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Our experiments confirmed the influence of a higher-priority goal of "slimming" on the perception and internalization of nutrition-related stimuli. In response to such stimuli, individuals who are actively involved in weight reduction and health-oriented programs use strategies for resisting temptation and to effectively "slim". We present our findings in the context of their theoretical background and practical application.

Physiologic and psychological gender differences in bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for clinically severe obesity, but inequity in male and female utilization is well recognized. Approximately 20% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are male. This paper aims to describe differences in outcomes by gender and to understand the physiologic and psychological differences that may explain this gender gap.

METHODS

We examined 61,708 patients from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC) undergoing primary bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2016. Clinical data regarding demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were compared by gender. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative surveys gathered psychological outcomes.

RESULTS

This cohort was consistent with the national population with approximately 22% male patients. There were several significant differences between males and females at the time of surgery. Males tended to be older, have a higher BMI, be married, have lower self-reported depression scores, and have more comorbidities (all p < 0.05). Postoperatively, males suffered more serious complications than women (2.67 vs. 2.12, respectively, p < 0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, males were significantly more satisfied with their operation despite increased complications, decreased weight loss, and decreased rates of comorbidity resolution as compared to females (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significantly lower weight loss and increased complication rates, males tend to have markedly higher satisfaction and psychological well-being scores than females. To improve outcomes in males, earlier referral to surgery may help to significantly reduce their risk. Conversely, increased attention to psychological support in the perioperative period for females may lead to improved psychological outcomes (i.e., body image, depression, psychological well-being).