Relationship between self-perceived body image and excess weight among women in southern Morocco

Introduction and aim: The perception of obesity differs between societies. In developing countries, obesity was seen as a sign of high social status and a symbol of beauty and prosperity. In Western countries, obesity was viewed negatively and body control was seen as a mark of civilised society. The study, aims to describe perception womens in southern Morocco towards excess weight and the associated factors. Methods: Study was conducted in health centres in the southern region of Morocco. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Weight and height were measured respectively by a mechanical/electronic scale and a tape measure graduated in centimetres. The perception was assessed using the Stunkard body shape assessment scale. Results: Anthropometric data showed that 37.3% of women were normal weight, 33.9% (IC95% [30.03-37.77]) were overweight and 25.2% were obese (IC95% [21.65-28.75]). Results showed that over three quarters (76.04%; n=438) of the women were dissatisfied with their body image and 77% (n=443) of the participants considered overweight to be a disease. The study revealed that women who were satisfied with their body image (OR=0.235; CI95% [0.15-0.35]) and desire to lose weight had protective effects against developing overweight (OR=0.46; CI95% [0.30-0.70]). However, women with a positive representation of overweight women had a 1.60 risk of developing weight gain (OR=1.60; 95% CI [1.60-1.03]). Conclusion: the study showed a change in the participants' perception of overweight. Reducing the magnitude of this public health problem requires strategies that consider this shift towards reducing the prevalence of weight gain, particularly among young women and students.