Examination of the Relationship Between Body Image and Body Weight

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to examine the body image of individuals residing in Sakarya, evaluate its association with Body Mass Index , and compare it across sexes. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive study. The study group consisted of employees of Yenikent State Hospital, individuals visiting the hospital, and participants from different age groups living in Sakarya (n = 180). Participants were administered a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and the Body Image Scale. Results: The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in body image scores between female and male participants, with males scoring higher than females. No significant differences were found among the Body Mass Index groups (normal, pre-obese, and obese) in terms of body image scores. Although Body Mass Index was not significantly associated with body image overall, a statistically significant difference was observed at the pre-obese level when analyzed by sex. Conclusion: The results suggest that body image attitudes among individuals in Sakarya are generally similar. Sex differences were observed, favoring males, while Body Mass Index categories did not show significant variation in body image scores. Statistically significant differences were observed only between sexes and among pre-obese individuals when body image scores were analyzed according to both Body Mass Index and sex. The lack of significant differences in other variables may be due to the limited sample size and the crosssectional design of the study.