Relation Between Lifestyle Factors and Anti-fat Attitudes in College Students, Ages 18-24

Abstract

This study examined antifat attitudes and body image dissatisfaction and their relation to body mass index among college students. Participants completed an antifat attitudes questionnaire, body image dissatisfaction questionnaire, and demographic questions. Findings and Conclusions: Significant differences between genders were found for all three subscales of the antifat attitudes questionnaire: females were found to have a higher Fear of Fat than males, males possess a higher level of Dislike for overweight individuals, and males attribute overweight to a Lack of Willpower more readily than do females. BMI and Fear of Fat were still positively correlated after controlling for gender. Relation between total AFA scores and body image dissatisfaction suggests that as one's opinion about his or her own appearance and/or weight becomes more negative, his or her attitude toward overweight and obese people becomes more negative. Males appear to be more extreme in their attitudes toward overweight individuals than do females.