ABSTRACT
Objectives
Assessing body image and identifying the various types of body image distortion.
Methods
This research is quantitative, with cross-sectional design and it was held in a University Center of Fortaleza (Ceará). Data collection was conducted from April to May of 2015. The sample consisted of 300 undergraduate students of Nutrition, female, aged 17-51 years. Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and an evaluation sheet were used to measured current weight and height. The students reported their weight and height that they craved, if they were physically active and the frequency of this activity as a way to identify other possible disturbances.
Results
The sample consisted of 300 students, with the mean age 25.45 years (±6.60). The average score of the BSQ was 81.43 points (±30.45), corresponding to mild concern with body image. The current average BMI was 22.90 kg/m2 (±3.15). It was observed that the students, although they are mostly with suitable weight and height, they wanted to be thinner and taller (desired weight = 57.39 kg, desired height = 1.63 m).
Conclusion
The results evidence that the group would like to be thinner and taller even presenting eutrophic nutritional status. When it comes from Nutrition students this study has an important impact because they will become healthcare professionals.
Body image; eating disorders; mental health
