The Psychology of Eating: From Healthy to Disordered Behavior

Body Dissatisfaction 115

Conclusion

Body dissatisfaction can be conceptualized either as a distorted body
image compared to an objective measure of reality, a difference between
perceived actual and ideal body size, or simply as negative feelings about
the body. At first it was believed that body dissatisfaction was a problem
for those with eating disorders. It is now recognized to be a common
phenomenon which is apparent in many different groups within society.
Women are generally dissatisfied with their bodies as a whole, and particu-
larly dissatisfied with their bottoms, stomachs, hips, and thighs. This seems
to be less apparent in lesbians than heterosexual women, but occurs in women
from childhood through to old age. Men are generally less dissatisfied with
their bodies than women, but many also wish that parts of their body could
be changed, and focus on their stomachs, chests, and arms. This is more
apparent in homosexual men and less apparent in younger than older men.
In terms of the causes of body dissatisfaction, this chapter has described
a role for social factors such as the media, ethnicity, social class, and the
family, and has indicated that these external influences impact upon body
dissatisfaction through beliefs and the nature of relationships. In terms of
the consequences of body dissatisfaction, most women diet, some exercise,
and a minority resort to cosmetic surgery, whereas men opt for exercise
as the solution to their problem.

Towards an integrated model of diet

Many people may be motivated to eat healthily. But food choice is

influenced by many factors other than a concern for health. It relates

to an individual’s learning, cognitions, and physiology. Furthermore

it takes place within the context of the wealth of meanings associated

with food and body size. A consequence of these meanings is a con-

cern about body weight and body shape. This often takes the form

of body dissatisfaction, which involves criticism about the whole body

and body parts. Body dissatisfaction can result in dieting, which has

direct implications for food choice as dieters attempt to eat less than

they would like to as a means to lose weight. Dieting is the focus

of the next chapter.