A Study on Assessment and Correlations between Eating Attitudes, Body Image Perception and Self-esteem in Medical Students of Mumbai

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents and young adults place significant value to appearance. Medical students are likely to be vulnerable to dissatisfaction with appearance and maladaptive eating attitudes. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to study the eating attitudes, body image perception, and self-esteem in MBBS students and their correlations with each other and with body mass index (BMI), to identify students at risk and possibly plan measures for intervention. Methodology: A study was conducted on 700 medical students (including interns), with electronic questionnaires assessing sociodemographic data, eating attitudes, body image perception, and self-esteem. Using the Chi-square tests and t-tests, the parameters were studied and correlations using Spearman’s rank correlation were established. Results: Students with a higher BMI were at a greater risk of eating disorder (ED), higher concerns with body perception, and lowered self-esteem. Those with a higher risk of ED were associated with body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem. Body image distortions were associated with low self-esteem. Conclusions: ED risk is associated with body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem in medical students. Future studies are required to establish this relation.

Keywords

• eating attitudes
• body image perception
• self-esteem
• eating disorders