Relation Between Body Mass Index and Body Image in Spanish and Mexican Adolescents

ABSTRACT

This article aims to study the relation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and body image in adolescents from two different social environments in Spain and Mexico, and to compare the construction of an appropriate body scheme in youth from these two countries. The majority of participants were found to be in the normal weight category of BMI. No significant differences were found in BMI or body image comparing Mexican and Spanish adolescents. Regardless of the country of origin, youth belonging to the weight deficit category of BMI overestimated their body shape, whereas those pertaining to overweight and obesity categories underestimated it. Both over- and underestimating own body shape imply higher risk to suffer from behavioral and psychological distresses, such as eating disorders. Further research is recommended in order to analyze the social, educational, and emotional patterns related to this occurrence and to improve their quality of life.

KEYWORDS:

• body discrepancy
• communities
• youth
• health
• obesity