To weigh or not to weigh: The relationship between self-weighing behavior and body image among adults

► We examine the associations between self-weighing behavior and body image. ► The frequency in which young adults self-weigh varies widely. ► Frequent self-weighing is associated with several dimensions of body image. ► There are gender differences in the self-weighing–body image relationship. Give...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Body image 2012-09, Vol.9 (4), p.551-554
Main Authors: Klos, Lori A., Esser, Valerie E., Kessler, Molly M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Anthropometry
Anxiety - psychology
Attitude to Health
Body image
Body Image - psychology
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Body weight monitoring
Cross-Sectional Studies
Cross-sectional study
Descriptive research
Feeding and Eating Disorders - diagnosis
Feeding and Eating Disorders - psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Motivation
Overweight - prevention & control
Overweight - psychology
Personal Satisfaction
Physical Fitness
Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data
Self Care - psychology
Self-weighing
Sex Factors
Social Values
Students - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
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Summary:► We examine the associations between self-weighing behavior and body image. ► The frequency in which young adults self-weigh varies widely. ► Frequent self-weighing is associated with several dimensions of body image. ► There are gender differences in the self-weighing–body image relationship. Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the U.S., identifying behaviors that aid or hinder weight control efforts continues to be a research priority. Body weight monitoring is a technique used in many popular weight management programs. However, how weight monitoring—particularly self-weighing behavior—relates to psychological constructs like body image is poorly understood. Participants included 268 undergraduates (190 women, 78 men) at a midwestern university who completed questionnaires about self-weighing behavior and body image (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire; Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire: Weight and Shape Concern subscales). Among women, more frequent self-weighing was associated with greater Appearance Orientation, Overweight Preoccupation, and Shape Concern. Among men, more frequent self-weighing was associated with greater Body Areas Satisfaction, Health and Fitness Orientation, and positive Health Evaluation. Results suggest that self-weighing is a fairly common behavior, but its relationship with body image is complex and gender-specific.
ISSN:1740-1445
1873-6807
DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2012.07.004