Perception of Body Image amongst Intern Doctors: Determinants and Association with Body Mass Index

Abstract

Abstract Context: Body image is an individual perception about his or her body. Body image misperception may lead to faulty physical activity and dietary practices which may turn into malnutrition. Hence, it is important to know whether intern doctors have any element of body image dissatisfaction. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of body image perception and to find out the association between body image perception and body mass index (BMI). Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at PDU Government Medical College, Rajkot. Subjects and Methods: A total of 150 intern doctors were posted in various departments of P.D.U.M.C. Rajkot, in November 2021 and were included in the study. An orientation session was conducted through online platform and the objective of the study was explained. The questionnaire was administered by using Google Forms and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Out of 150 intern doctors, 126 submitted their responses. Results: More than half of the participants (74 [58.7%]) perceived themselves as ‘perfect’ while other perceived themselves as ‘fatty’ (37 [29.4%]) and ‘thin’ (15[11.9%]). Fifty-seven per cent interns were satisfied with their body image (perceived body image [PBI] = desired body image [DBI]) while 43% of interns were dissatisfied (PBI ≠ DBI). Major determinant of body image perception was self-perception (80.15%), followed by media (16.67%). Out of 20 underweight participants, majority (13 [65%]) perceived themselves as ‘perfect’ and out of 46 combined ‘overweight and obese’ participants (17 [36.9%]) perceived themselves as ‘perfect.’ Sixteen (26.7%) who had normal BMI perceived themselves as ‘not perfect.’ This difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.0006). Conclusions: There is discrepancy between PBI and DBI amongst study participants. Majority of underweight and overweight interns’ perceived themselves as ‘perfect’ which may result into either nutritional deficiency or obesity. This highlights the gap between body image perception and actual BMI levels.