| Autor: |
Flauzino PA; Graduate Program in Public Health, Ceará State University, Av Dr Silas Munguba 1700, Fortaleza 60714-903, CE, Brazil., Baltar VT; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fluminense Federal University, Travessa Marquês de Paraná, 303/3 Floor Center, Niterói 24030-210, RJ, Brazil., Radin Pereira L; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada., Russell-Mayhew S; Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada., Carioca AAF; Graduate Program in Public Health, University of Fortaleza, 1321 Washington Soares Avenue, Fortaleza 60811-905, CE, Brazil. |
| Abstrakt: |
This study examined the association between media and Instagram interaction patterns with weight bias among undergraduate nutrition students in the Brazilian Nutritionists' Health Study. We also explored the potential mediating role of students' own body image perception in these relationships. A total of 406 students (78% women) participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Sociodemographic data, media influence, Instagram interaction patterns, body image perception, and weight bias were assessed using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings indicated that exposure to fitness content on Instagram ( β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and the pursuit of an ideal athletic body ( β = 0.12, p = 0.034) were associated with increased weight bias. In contrast, engagement with body diversity content ( β = -0.23, p < 0.001) and perceived pressure from media to conform to appearance ideals ( β = -0.24, p < 0.001) had a mitigating effect on weight bias. Notably, body image perception did not mediate these relationships ( p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed a link between media exposure and weight bias among undergraduate nutrition students, independent of their body image perception. Developing social media literacy programs that encourage students to critically evaluate media content is imperative to reduce weight bias. Additionally, a deeper examination of the media content that contributes to weight bias and the potential need for targeted regulatory measures is warranted. |
