Perceived Body Image and Anthropometry Among Students

Abstract

Objectives Body image dissatisfaction and anthropometry-related issues are a growing public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among young adults. Tertiary students, including those in Nigerian university campuses, may be susceptible to sociocultural influences that promote unrealistic body ideals. This study investigates the relationship between perceived body size and anthropometric measurements among this population. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 female university students in a selected tertiary educational institution in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Silhouette Rating Scale (SRS) to assess their perceived body size. Height and weight were measured to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise demographics and body image scores. Correlations were conducted to examine the relationship between perceived body size, anthropometry, and gender. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results The average age of the participants was 21.4 years. The participants reported a significant discrepancy between their perceived and actual body size. Most of them (65%) overestimated their body size, regardless of gender or BMI category. Correlations revealed a negative association between perceived body size and BMI, indicating that participants with higher BMI tended to perceive themselves as larger in body size. Conclusion This study found a significant body image discrepancy among Nigerian university students. Despite variations in BMI, a substantial portion of the sample overestimated their body size. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions to promote healthy body image and aid effective anthropometry interventions among young adults.