Associations between positive body image and indicators of men's and women's mental and physical health

•Positive body image and health indicators among men and women were examined.•Positive body image was associated with lower depression and higher self-esteem.•Positive body image was associated with less dieting and drive for muscularity.•Positive body image was associated with greater skin protection intentions.•Results suggest positive body image has health-related benefits for men and women.

Positive body image has been found to be associated with various beneficial health-related indicators among women. Yet, less is known about its health-related correlates among men. The goal of the current study was to examine associations between positive body image and various mental and physical health-related indicators in both men and women. Undergraduate students (N = 284) from a non-residential college in the northeastern United States participated. Individuals with greater positive body image reported less depression, higher self-esteem, fewer unhealthy dieting behaviors, lower drive for muscularity, and greater intentions to protect their skin from UV exposure and damage. Gender did not moderate these associations; thus, connections between positive body image and health-related indicators were similar for women and men. Results suggest that positive body image has significant implications for health and well-being beyond objective body size. Health care providers should encourage positive body image because of its potential health benefits.