Nutrition Journal
Volume 17, Issue 1, 2018

Body size perceptions and preferences favor overweight in adult Saharawi refugees (Article) (Open Access)

Naigaga D.A. , Jahanlu D. , Claudius H.M. , Gjerlaug A.K. , Barikmo I. , Henjum S.*
  • a Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • b Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • c Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • d Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • e Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • f Oslo and Akershus University, College of Applied Sciences St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, 0130, Norway

Abstract

Background: Culture affects body image and body size perceptions from an early age and in many African countries, overweight has been associated with richness, health, strength, and fertility. The present study investigated body size perceptions and preferences in an African refugee population. Methods: The cross-sectional study was comprised of 180 and 175 randomly selected Saharawi women and men, respectively, between 18 and 80 years. Stunkard's body figure scale was used to identify self-perceived body size, desired body size and desired body size in the opposite gender. Results: Approximately half of the participants had a correct self-perceived body size; among them 70% did not have a desire to have a smaller body size. Among women who preferred a body size corresponding to overweight in men, 77% also had a desired body size corresponding to overweight; compared to 43% for men. The youngest participants (18-25 years) were the least likely to overestimate their body size in comparison to the older participants (26-45 years and 46-80 years). Conclusion: We found an overall preference for an overweight body size, and a significant difference in body size perception associated with age. © 2018 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Obesity Saharawi refugees Body discrepancy Body size perception Desired body size overweight

Index Keywords

perception refugee human sex difference Refugees middle aged Overweight statistics and numerical data controlled study obesity Aged African Body Image Size Perception Cross-Sectional Studies body size Surveys and Questionnaires cross-sectional study Humans psychology male female Aged, 80 and over very elderly Africa questionnaire self concept Article adult Africa, Northern age Age Factors
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041905436&doi=10.1186%2fs12937-018-0330-5&partnerID=40&md5=06d13cd5c39e1abc28fa7c94dc216763
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-018-0330-5
ISSN: 14752891
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English