Body dissatisfaction: an overlooked public health concern
| Pages | 64-69 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2013-0071 |
| Date | 10 June 2014 |
| Published date | 10 June 2014 |
| Author | Michaela M. Bucchianeri,Dianne Neumark-Sztainer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Public mental health |
Body dissatisfaction: an overlooked public
health concern
Michaela M. Bucchianeri and Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
Dr Michaela M. Bucchianeri is
a Postdoctoral Fellow in the
Division of Epidemiology and
Community Health, School of
Public Health, and in the
Division of General Pediatrics
and Adolescent Health,
Department of Pediatrics.
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer is
a Professor in the Division of
Epidemiology and Community
Health, School of Public
Health, both are based at the
University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Abstract
Purpose – In contrast to the attention it has received in related fields of research, body image has remained
understudied within the field of public health. This is highly problematic, given a growing body of evidence
implicating body dissatisfaction in a range of other public health concerns. The paper aims to discuss
these issues.
Design/methodology/approach – This commentary is based on a review of the public health, body
image, eating disorder, and mental health literatures.
Findings – Body dissatisfaction is implicated in a range of public health concerns, including impaired
psychological health (e.g. depression) and eating- and weight-related problems (e.g. eating disorders,
obesity).
Originality/value – Given these associations, as well as the high levels of body dissatisfaction in the
population, the authors argue for a critical need to address the prevalence of body image concerns as a
public health issue worthy of greater consideration within programs and policies; dedicated funding for
research on antecedents, consequences, and intervention strategies; and allocated resources for training.
Keywords Health policy, Mental health, Health promotion, Disordered eating, Eating disorder,
Exercise/physical activity
Paper type Viewpoint
Body image has been viewed as a topic of great and growing concern within the fields of eating
disorders, gender studies, and psychology, with important health and well-being implications
for the population at large. Surprisingly, however, it is not widely viewed as a problem of public
health concern, nor has it been given adequate attention within our field. For example, we talk
extensively about the epidemic of obesity and its implications for health; in contrast, it is rare to
hear about the epidemic of body dissatisfaction, despite evidence of its prevalence (e.g.
Bucchianeri et al., 2013b; Tylka,2004). In this paper, we argue for a critical need to address the
high levels of body image concerns in the public. We summarize findings from research on body
image’sconnection to psychological health, disorderedeating, and excessive weight gain;posit
that body image is a critical and understudied public health concern in its own right; and offer
concrete and attainable recommendations for practice and policy.
Body image and psychological health
Beyond its impact at the individual and family levels, the societal costs of depression are
profound. It is estimated that major depression is associated with significantly greater numbers
of sick days each year and higher rates of short-term disability than other chronic diseases
(NAMI Policy Research Institute, 2013). In addition, depressed individuals are less productive,
and are absent from work at significantly greater rates, than their non-depressed counterparts.
Overall, depression is implicated in direct and indirect workplace costs of over $43 billion per
year (NAMI Policy Research Institute, 2013).
Supported by National Research
Service Award (NRSA) in
Primary Medical Care, grant
no. T32HP22239 (PI: Borowsky),
Bureau of Health Professions,
Health Resources and Services
Administration, Department of
Health and Human Services.
PAGE 64
j
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH
j
VOL. 13 NO. 2 2014, pp. 64-69, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729 DOI 10.1108/JPMH-11-2013-0071
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