A recent study published in the journal Nutrients examined the associations between diet quality, body image, and eating behaviors among young females in New Zealand. Body image disturbance is a significant psychological concern for many young women, with reports suggesting a link between body image and diet quality. Positive body image and autonomous exercise motivations are associated with healthier eating outcomes. However, the pervasive presence of social media has been shown to shape negative body perceptions, increasing the risk of developing body image disturbances.
Despite the acknowledgment of social media’s role in influencing body image, the relationship between social media use, eating behaviors, and body image disturbance remains poorly understood. Several studies have underscored the influence of social media platforms on body image dissatisfaction, particularly among younger individuals. Notably, 65% of the study’s participants scored above the clinical threshold for body image disturbance, with females showing higher levels of disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction compared to males.
About the Study
Researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Sydney investigated the relationship between body image disturbance, diet quality, and eating behaviors among young females aged 18–24 in New Zealand. The study comprised both qualitative and quantitative phases, involving focus group discussions and questionnaires.
In the qualitative phase, 19 participants from various educational and occupational backgrounds completed the three-factor eating questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-r18). The quantitative phase included 50 participants who underwent screening related to fruit and vegetable intake, exercise, medical history, and social media literacy. Participants who met national exercise and dietary guidelines or were involved in healthy lifestyle programs were excluded, along with those with significant medical issues or a history of diagnosed eating disorders.
During the qualitative phase, participants’ perceptions of social media’s influence on their dietary behaviors and body satisfaction were explored. Discussions occurred online, with groups of two to nine participants, lasting approximately one hour each. These sessions were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, four validated questionnaires were used: TFEQ-r18, social influence questionnaire (SIQ), short form food frequency questionnaire (SF-FFQ), and body image disturbance questionnaire (BIDQ). The Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) assessed diet quality, adapted to fit the SF-FFQ responses. A multiple regression analysis examined relationships between TFEQ and ARFS, as well as between SIQ and BIDQ. Bivariate correlation analysis was also conducted.
Findings
Participants in the qualitative phase identified themselves as Asian, New Zealand European, Fijian Indian, or European. Instagram and TikTok were the most frequently used social media apps. Participants in the quantitative phase identified as New Zealand European, Chinese, Indian, Korean, or others, with daily engagement on social media platforms.
The qualitative analysis revealed themes indicating that social media perpetuates unrealistic beauty ideals, leading to unfavorable social comparisons and manipulated images. Many participants expressed feelings of guilt and pressure to conform to these idealized standards. This constant exposure contributes to body dissatisfaction and negative self-perception.
Moreover, the analysis illustrated how social media promotes unrealistic nutrition and diet advice, fostering unhealthy behaviors and attitudes. According to the ARFS, 30% of participants had low diet quality, while 24% had moderately healthy diets. Among the 50 participants, 45% displayed moderate levels of uncontrolled eating, and 36.5% exhibited moderate emotional eating. Most participants experienced mild to moderate body image disturbances, with 65% scoring above the clinical threshold for body image disturbance. However, the associations between BIDQ and ARFS scores were insignificant. Similarly, disordered eating patterns showed weak, insignificant relationships with the ARFS. A significant positive correlation was noted between time spent on social media and body image disturbance (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). While body image disturbance and uncontrolled eating had a notable relationship, it was relatively weak.
The study also found that familiarity with social media significantly correlated with post frequency, engagement frequency, and health-seeking behaviors. Higher social media familiarity was associated with increased body image disturbance, while diet quality did not correlate with BIDQ scores or social media variables, nor did emotional or uncontrolled eating.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that exposure to social media is significantly linked to body image disturbance among young females in New Zealand. While body image concerns are strongly connected to social media, the direct impact of social media on eating behaviors—such as uncontrolled and emotional eating—was weaker. Furthermore, the correlations between social media influence and diet quality or eating patterns were minimal, indicating that other factors may mediate these outcomes. The study highlights the unique cultural context of New Zealand, where social norms and growing awareness of media manipulation may help mitigate the negative effects of social media on body image.
You Might Be Interested In:
-
Menopause Transition Linked to Elevated Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds
-
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show Promise in Reducing Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescents with Obesity
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Linked to Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression
