Eating disorders and body shape perception in male and female medical students: A comparative study

ABSTRACT Background: Eating disorders are complex conditions that can negatively impact health, productivity, and relationships. Some of them can be life-threatening and affect a person’s physical and emotional health. Eating disorders in students are showing an increasing trend. It is crucial to identify poor dietary habits among medical students because they will ultimately find careers in the healthcare sector and have an impact on their patients. Aim: To evaluate and compare eating disorders and body shape perception in male and female medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 undergraduate students in a medical college. Eating Attitudes-26, Body Shape Questionnaire-16B, the SCOFF Questionnaire, and the Medical Students Well-Being Index were applied to all the participants. Results: A total of 319 medical students were recruited for the study, of which 159 were males and 160 were females. The study found that male and female medical students are at an equal risk of developing eating disorders. More male students fell in the overweight and obese category of body mass index (BMI). Increased risk of developing eating disorders was positively associated with elevation in BMI. Regression analysis showed that body shape dissatisfaction is associated with the risk of developing eating disorders. Increased psychological distress was observed among students with higher body shape dissatisfaction. Conclusion: From the present study, we could conclude that eating disorders are on the rise among males as much as females, thus providing an area that requires further research. Disordered eating habits and body image dissatisfaction are directly linked to increased weight and higher BMI. The distress caused by body image disturbances is high among medical college students and they need to be sensitized to the risks of sudden fasting and other unhealthy practices to lose weight.