Body dissatisfaction predicts inflammatory status in asymptomatic healthy individuals

Comparative Analysis of Body Image Dissatisfaction, Depression, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

(1) Objective: This case-control study investigated body image dissatisfaction, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with type 1 diabetes. (2) Methods: A total of 35 adults with diabetes and an equal number of age- and gender-matched controls were included. Assessment tools used were the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed. (3) Results: Body image dissatisfaction did not differ significantly between the groups. However, adults with diabetes reported higher levels of depression (p = 0.002) and lower scores for physical health (p = 0.015) and general health (p < 0.001) on the HRQoL measure. Qualitative analysis identified common themes related to physical disturbance, effect on activities, and psychosocial concerns. (4) Conclusions: Despite similar body image dissatisfaction, adults with type 1 diabetes exhibited increased depression and reduced HRQoL. These findings emphasize the need to integrate psychological well-being into type 1 diabetes management. They also support further research into the impact of body image dissatisfaction in T1D and potential interventions to address it.

Body image and its relationships with sexual functioning, anxiety, and depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with lower levels of satisfaction with body image, which can affect sexuality and social well-being. Thus, we evaluated body image in women with PCOS and its association with body dis(satisfaction), anthropometric indices, sexual function, anxiety, and depression.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 94 women of reproductive age were grouped by body mass index (BMI) and sexual function. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Figure Rating Scale (FRS), hospital anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) measurement scales, and anthropometric indices were used for data collection.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS presented with perceptual distortions of self-image independent of sexual function and BMI. There were negative correlations between HADS-A and HADS-D scores and the FSFI total score, and HADS-D scores had positive correlations with weight, anthropometric indices, and BSQ total score. The degree of dis(satisfaction) was a predictor of FSFI total score, depression, and anxiety, and the FSFI total score was predicted by HADS-D. Desired and ideal-gender BMIs were risk factors for sexual dysfunction, and overweight and obesity were risk factors for the degree of dis(satisfaction).

LIMITATIONS

This study had the limitations of using a cross-sectional design and it investigated a restricted number of clinical/biochemical parameters, as well as lacked objective measures of acne and hirsutism, and a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Perception and cognitive-affective dimensions appear to play important roles in body image dysfunction in women with PCOS, and impact sexual dysfunction and depression associated the syndrome. Furthermore, these results provide additional treatment considerations for women with PCOS.

Changes in body image during a 6-month lifestyle behaviour intervention in a sample of overweight and obese individuals

BACKGROUND

Individuals with long-term chronic body image dissatisfaction may experience excessive stress and negative cognitions and feelings. Changes in negative cognition about body image are often reported as outcomes of obesity treatment. In turn, body image dissatisfaction also influences behavioural adherence and success in weight loss.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate psychological changes during 6 months of lifestyle behaviour intervention and the association of these changes with actual weight loss.

METHODS

The study examined associations between body image dissatisfaction and obesity treatment-related variables among 33 overweight and obese adults (age = 38.9 ± 6.5 years) participating in a 6-month diet and exercise weight loss intervention. Measurements of body image dissatisfaction and anthropometric variables were taken at baseline and after 6-months.

DISCUSSION

Significant improvements were observed in all physical variables (e.g. weight, percentage of body fat mass, waist and hip circumference) after intervention. Body image dissatisfaction improved significantly over the treatment, and these changes were associated with changes in obesity indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in weight and body image probably influence each other dynamically. Results from this study support the inclusion of cognitive intervention aimed at improving body image in weight management programs.