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The Relationship Between Body Image Concerns and Weight-Related Behaviours of Adolescents and Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2018

Pravina Santhira Shagar Open the ORCID record for Pravina Santhira Shagar [Opens in a new window] ,
Neil Harris ,
Jennifer Boddy  and
Caroline L. Donovan
Pravina Santhira Shagar*
Affiliation:
Public Health, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Neil Harris
Affiliation:
Public Health, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Jennifer Boddy
Affiliation:
School of Human Services and Social Work and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Caroline L. Donovan
Affiliation:
School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Pravina Santhira Shagar, Public Health, School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Building G01, Room 3.30, Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, QLD 4222, Australia. E-mail: pravina.santhirashagar@griffithuni.edu.au
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Abstract

This systematic review investigates evidence on the association between body image concerns and weight-related behaviours of adolescents and emerging adults. It includes peer-reviewed journal articles reporting research involving body image concerns and weight-related behaviours of adolescents and emerging adults, published between 2005–2017, and located through systematic searches from four databases. This review includes studies from 11 countries or regions: United States (n = 13), Asia (n = 9), Europe (n = 8), Middle East (n = 3), South America (Brazil; n = 3), Canada (n = 3), Australia (n = 1), New Zealand (n = 1), Trinidad (n = 1), Turkey (n = 1) and Seychelles (n = 1); 24 different countries (n = 1); three Asian countries and the United States (n = 1). Out of 46 studies included in this review, 45 studies reported a positive association between body image concerns and weight-related behaviours. Adolescents and emerging adults who misperceived their weight engaged in weight-related behaviours. Higher body dissatisfaction had a significant association in the development of eating disorders and extreme weight-loss behaviours. Body image concerns play a significant role in adolescents and emerging adults engaging in weight-related behaviours. Experimental research designs are required to determine the causality of this association. Evidence strongly suggests policy makers and public health practitioners contemplate strategies to promote positive body image and healthy weight-related behaviours among adolescents and emerging adults.

Keywords

body image concernsweight-related behaviourssystematic reviewemerging adultsadolescents
Type
Review Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 34 , Issue 4 , December 2017 , pp. 208 - 252
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2018 

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