Perceptions of Body Weight, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Risk of Eating Disorders in Girl Students in Zanjan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sara  Mohiti; Safa  Sefidgari-abrasi; Saba  Mohiti; Shahram  Arsang-Jang; Ahmadreza  Rasouli

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v10i2.18532

Sara Mohiti Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Safa Sefidgari-abrasi Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Saba Mohiti Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Shahram Arsang-Jang Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
Ahmadreza Rasouli Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v10i2.18532

Keywords: Eating disorders; Body image; Body mass index; Obesity;

Abstract

Background: The perception of body weight seems to have an impact on weight-control behaviors and is associated with an increased risk of eating disorders EDs). The study aims to examine the perceptions of body weight, anthropometric characteristics, and the risk of EDs in female students in Zanjan, Iran. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the data of 359 students aged 16-19 year attending secondary high schools in Zanjan, during the school year 2017-2018 were collected and analyzed. Results: The results revealed a significant association between being overweight and having obese body shape, high levels of stress, and the odds of EDs. Additionally, there was a significant inverse relationship between being overweight and obese body mass index (BMI), overweight and obese body shape, and the odds of oral control subscale of EDs. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated a relationship between BMI, stress level, body shape, and an elevated risk of EDs. Further prospective studies are needed to validate and expand upon these findings