Age and Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Actual and Perceived Body

Abstract

We analyzed the relationship between actual and perceived body, the effect of body shape on this relationship, and age and gender differences within it. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using body measurement data of 6,172 Koreans aged 15–69 years, in addition to a survey about perceived body types. We determined the body perception type according to the congruence between perceived and actual body. Using the body proportion index, we identified whether there were physical features depending on perception type. Women perceived their bodies more objectively than did men and eased their physical evaluation standards in their 50s. On the other hand, men tended to underestimate their obesity levels since their youth. In addition, participants underestimating their bodies had a high body mass index. These results provide an overall understanding of the tendency to perceive the body differently by age and gender and may be used as a reference in clothing design.