Body image perception and body composition: assessment of perception inconsistency by a new index

摘要

BACKGROUND:A correct perception of the body image, as defined by comparison with actual anthropometric analyses, is crucial to ensure the best possible nutritional status of each individual. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) represents a leading technique to assess body composition parameters and, in particular, the fat mass. This study examined the self-perception of body image at various levels of adiposity proposing a new index.METHODS:We investigated 487 young Italian adults (mean age of males: 21.9?±?2.4?years; mean age of females: 21.0?±?2.2?years). Each subject could choose, on the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, the silhouette that he/she considered most resembling his/her perceived body image as well as his/her ideal body image. On each subject, we performed anthropometric measurements and determined the values of Fat mass and ?%Fat with BIA. A new index, FAIsupFAT/sup (Feel fat status minus Actual fat status Inconsistency), was developed to evaluate possible fat status perception inconsistencies by BIA.RESULTS:Based on ideal and feel body image comparison, women showed higher dissatisfaction than men and preferred slimmer silhouettes. FAIsupFAT/sup values indicated that the fat status perception was correct in the majority of the examined individuals and only three subjects showed a serious misperception.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that FAIsupFAT/sup is an appropriate index for assessing the perceived fat status from the body image when compared with data obtained by BIA. In a population, the use of this index will allow the correct identification of groups at risk for eating disorders.