Age Is Protective While Economical Punctuation and Body Image Are Risk Factors to Body Concern

Mariana Martins Moreira; Marina de Sá Azevedo; Raquel Machado Schincaglia; Marilia Mendonça Guimarães; Luciana Bronzi de Souza

doi:10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v15i93p14733-14750

Authors

Mariana Martins Moreira Nutricionista. Mestra em Nutrição e Saúde. Mestra em Nutrição e Saúde. Faculdade de Nutrição. Universidade Federal de Goiás. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2120-5248
Marina de Sá Azevedo Nutricionista. Mestra em Nutrição e Saúde. Faculdade de Nutrição. Universidade Federal de Goiás. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9001-2974
Raquel Machado Schincaglia Doutora em Ciências da Saúde Faculdade de Nutrição. Universidade Federal de Goiás. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8450-6775
Marilia Mendonça Guimarães Doutora em Ciências da Saúde. Universidade Federal de Goiás. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1466-6180
Luciana Bronzi de Souza Doutora em Saúde Coletiva. Faculdade de Nutrição. Universidade Federal de Goiás. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4525-1618

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v15i93p14733-14750

Keywords:

Eating behavior, Body image, Students, Physical Appearance, Body

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic, academic, anthropometric, behavioral, and body image factors on body concerns among female undergraduate nutrition students. Conducted in the Midwest region of Brazil, it involved 173 nutrition students. Data on sociodemographic, academic, anthropometric, behavioral, and body image (using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale, Food Desire Questionnaire, and Body Shape Questionnaire) were collected. Results revealed that 46.24% of students had some level of body concern, with 10.98% experiencing severe concerns. Economic status (p=0.02) and anthropometric variables (p=0.01) were associated to body concern levels. The incremental in the age in such way that one year older represents less chance of being concerned (OR=0.84;IC95%:0.72-0.98). There is a higher chance of being concerned of their bodies with the incremental of economical punctuation represents higher chance (1.07;1.03-1.12) and Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (2.10;1.34-3.28). It emphasizes the importance of implementing interventions that address Nutrition students' body concerns.

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