Association between body image dissatisfaction and obesity among schoolchildren aged 7-10Â years

- There was a normative discontent in schoolchildren.
- Significant differences between the sexes in the prevalence of body dissatisfaction.
- In boys, there was association between IMC, WC and desire for a smaller body size.
- In girls, there was association between IMC, %BF and desire for a smaller body size.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the association between body image dissatisfaction and measurements of obesity - body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage - in students aged 7 to 10 years in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina.MethodsBody image dissatisfaction was assessed by the Figure Rating Scale for Brazilian children. Association analyses were performed using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsBody dissatisfaction was prevalent in 82.9% of the students, of whom 59.9% desired a smaller body size and 23.0% desired a larger body size, with a significant difference between the sexes. In boys, overweight, obesity and central obesity remained associated with the desire for a smaller body size, whereas for girls overweight and excess body fat were associated with the desire for a smaller body size.ConclusionsThe results point to a normative discontent and indicate the need to include the topic of body image in the school curriculum.