Author: Zainab Javed
Supervisor: Dr. Rafia Rafique
Degree: M.phil
Year: 2011-2013
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research examined differences in dietary habits, self-esteem and body image perception among active obese, sedentary obese, active non obese and sedentary non obese women. It was hypothesized that a) Sedentary obese will have higher body image perception than active obese. b) Active non obese will have higher Body Image Perception than sedentary non obese. c) Sedentary obese will have higher self-esteem than active obese. d) Active non obese will have higher self-esteem than sedentary non obese. e) Non obese women will have higher body image perception and self-esteem than obese women. f) There will be a positive relationship between self-esteem and Body Image Perception amongst active obese, sedentary obese, active non obese and sedentary non obese. g) Non obese women will have healthier dietary habits than obese women. h) Active obese women will have healthier dietary habits than sedentary obese women. i) Active non obese women will have healthier dietary habits than sedentary non obese women. j) There will be a positive relationship between BMI of women and their parents. 2*2 factorial research design was employed. Sample comprised of 200 participants (50 active obese, 50 sedentary obese, 50 active non obese and 50 sedentary non obese) who were recruited through purposive sampling technique. Food Frequency Questionnaire by Nishtar (2006) and Self-Image Profile for Adults (SIP-AD) by Butler and Green (1998) were employed to assess dietary habits, self-esteem and body image perception. Multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Mann Whitney test were used to analyze the proposed differences. It was found that Obesity had significant main effect on Body Image Perception and self-esteem, however activity level had no significant main effect on Body Image Perception and self-esteem. Interactive effect of activity and obesity were found on Body Image Perception but not on self-esteem. Sedentary obese have higher Body Image Perception than active obese. Active non obese have higher body image perception than sedentary non obese. Non obese women reported higher Body Image Perception and self-esteem than obese women. Highly significant positive correlation was found between Body Image Perception and self-esteem. Non obese women had higher intake of healthy foods like fresh fruits and fresh fruit juices and salads where as obese people reported greater use of foods like eggs in winters, paratha, halwa poori, milk with cream and balai, cream and balai, sweat things made from milk, ice cream, yogurt, sweat lassi, goat meat, cow meat, fish in both seasons, organ meat, food purchased from market, including pizza burger etc, biryani, bakery, mithaye and halwa and tea. Sedentary obese scored higher on eggs in summer and biryani/palao where as active people had higher scores on paratha and fresh fruit’s juice. Sedentary non obese scored higher than active non obese women on intake of mithaye and halwa, and potatoes. Positive correlation between BMI of women and their parents was found. Findings of the study will provide quite useful information to people from different disciplines. Future studies should also include male sample and assess gender differences, furthermore they should keep an eye on activity level of people so that there are less chances of faking good. Nutritionist can gather rich information about healthy diets (fruit juices, uncooked vegetables). Apart from this media can play a vital role by introducing obesity prevention programs.
Keywords: Obesity, Self-Esteem, Body Image Perception, Dietary Habits.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
