Association of dietary intake underreporting with body image perception

Background and aims The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether underreporting of dietary intake is associated with individual physical and lifestyle parameters, and body image perception. Methods Dietary intake was assessed using 24h recalls in 490 individuals. Underreporters were compared to normal reporters regarding age, body fat, years of education, number of cigarettes, physical activity level (PAL) and body image self-belief, body image wish and body image wish minus belief according to Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS). Odds ratio of underreporting in relation to negative perception of body image was performed. Results Underreporting was positively associated with older age in total sample (p=0.004), higher body fat percentage in both genders (p<0.001), and negative body image in both genders (p<0.001). The regression model showed that negative body image increased the odds of underreporting approximately 2.1 times in females (OR=2.056, p=0.040), after adjusting for age, body fat percentage, and PAL. Conclusions Underreporters were older, had higher body fat percentage, higher body image self-belief on Stunkard FRS, and higher body image dissatisfaction compared to normal reporters. However, negative body image perception made females more susceptible to underreporting compared to males.