A Case Study of the Impact of Overweight on Body Image and Self-Esteem in a Population of Moroccan Adolescents and Adults

Abstract

Context: According to WHO, obesity or overweight are risk factors of psychological disorders and quality
of life deterioration.
Objective: Evaluating the impact of overweight on body image and self-esteem in a population of Moroccan
adolescents and adults.
Method: The study was carried out on 288 subjects (150 men, and 138 women), aged on average 34,86±0,82
years [15 -76]. Over weight was measure dusing the Body Mass Index (BMI), body image was evaluated
using the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS), and self-esteem was evaluated using the
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).
Results: 43,28 % (n= 103) of subjects had a normal body weight, 25,63% (n=61) were overweight and
16,81% (n=40) were obese. 66,67% (68/102) of over weight subjects reported having compared their
physical appearance to others. However, 60,46 % (78/129) of thosewith normal BMI also reported having
compared their appearance to others some times or often. Among obese subjects, 73,68% (42/57) tend to
compare their physical appearance to others some times or often. In terms of self-esteem, 85,3% (n=209)
have a low to verylow self-esteem, 13,1% (n=32) have a moderate self-esteem and 1.6% have a high selfesteem.
However, only 15,13% (28/185) of subjects with normal BMI had a moderate to high self-esteem.
A negative correlation was found between PACS and RSES (r= -0,139) and statistically significant
correlations were found between BMI and both PACS (r= +0.125) and RSES (r= -0.189).
Conclusion: Consequently, it is recommended to establish multi-disciplinary programs for management of
over weight among adolescents and adults, to mainstream the care received and reduce the pressure they
experience.