Body image perception and associated anthropometric and body composition indicators in the elderly

• Main Authors: Iasmim Batista Correia, Nathalie de Almeida Silva, Paulo Granges e Silva, Tarciana Nobre de Menezes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina 2018-12-01
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
• Subjects: Antropometria; Imagem corporal; Saúde do idoso
• Online Access: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/rbcdh/article/view/55469
• ISSN: 1415-8426; 1980-0037

Aging leads to psychological losses and various physical changes that, associated with body-stereotyped patterns imposed by society, can cause disturbances in the body image perception (BIP) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate BIP in older adults living in the city of Campina Grande / PB and its relationship with different anthropometric and body composition indicators. This cross-sectional study was carried out with older adults of both sexes enrolled in the Family Health Strategy of Campina Grande, PB. BIP was considered as a dependent variable and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and arm fat area (AFA) as independent variables. The association between BIP and anthropometric indicators was verified using the Pearson chi-square test (X²), simple and multiple logistic regression, with significance level of p <0.05. Overall, 420 older adults were interviewed (68.1% women), of whom 409 reported their actual body image perception. Regarding the perception of idealized body image, 11 individuals did not respond and 230 were satisfied, since 179 desired another silhouette. Individuals with BMI indicative of overweight / obesity were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction compared to those with normal weight. Subjects with excessive TSF showed greater body image dissatisfaction in relation to those with normal weight. Women were more likely of showing body image dissatisfaction. Thus, it was observed that variables BMI, TSF and sex were independently associated with body image satisfaction.