A Quantitative Analysis Explaining the Aetiology of Body Weight Concerns and Physical Appearance Dissatisfaction among Undergraduates at The University of Mauritius

Abstract

The idea of thinness in today’s society is omnipresent and is leading to body dissatisfaction thereby encouraging unhealthy eating and exercise practices in not only women, but also in men who are increasingly focusing on their appearance. This study aimed at identifying the risk factors for weight concerns and physical appearance displeasure among 300 students, aged 18 to 25 years, at the University of Mauritius. Factor analysis was used to identify the following common weight loss behaviors which the participants adopt: “Concern about dieting and weight”, “Physical Activities” and “Controlling the amount of food intake”. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that age, gender and region had an impact on one’s willingness to maintain the ideal body weight and shape. There was also an interaction between age and region on body dissatisfaction.