What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to investigate the connection between awareness of popular diets and body image dissatisfaction among young women.

July 9, 2026Journal of Health Population and Nutrition0 citationsOpen Access

Assessment of the relationship between awareness of popular diets and body image among young women: a cross-sectional study

AKAyşe Nur Kahve EBEbru Bayrak

Key Points

This study aims to investigate the connection between awareness of popular diets and body image dissatisfaction among young women.
Cross-sectional study including 580 female university students aged 18–33 in Türkiye.
Data collection involved questionnaires assessing diet awareness and body image using the Body Image Scale (BIS).
Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation analyses, and effect size measures.
Lower body image scores are associated with higher BMI, more frequent meal skipping, and lower water intake (p < 0.05).
No significant differences in diet awareness or practices among students with varying body image levels after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.016).
Nominal differences observed for detox diet practice (p = 0.029) and awareness of monotrophic diets (p = 0.043) with small effect sizes.

Abstract

Abstract Background Body image dissatisfaction is common among young women and has been associated with various health-related behaviors. Popular diets, often promoted through media and social platforms, are widely recognized among university students; however, evidence regarding the relationship between body image perception and awareness or use of such diets remains limited. Methods This cross-sectional study included 580 female university students aged 18–33 years in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, a food frequency questionnaire, and the Body Image Scale (BIS). Awareness, perceived healthiness, and practices of popular diets were assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, analysis of variance, correlation analyses, and effect size measures (Cramér’s V and eta-squared). Results Lower BIS scores were associated with higher BMI, more frequent meal skipping, and lower water intake ( p < 0.05). Students with lower body image scores also reported a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. Awareness and practices of most popular diets, including ketogenic, Mediterranean, and gluten-free diets, did not differ significantly according to body image level. However, after Bonferroni correction ( p < 0.016), none of the diet-related comparisons remained significant; only nominal differences were observed for detox diet practice ( p = 0.029) and awareness of monotrophic diets ( p = 0.043), with small effect sizes. Conclusions Body image perception among young women appears to be related to certain health behaviors but shows limited association with awareness or practices related to most popular diets. These findings suggest that body image alone may not be a primary determinant of dietary trends among university students. Interventions addressing body image should consider broader social, cultural, and behavioral factors to promote healthy eating behaviors among young women.

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