Objectives: To study body image perceptions and body image dissatisfaction, and their relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI) among medical students in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private medical college in Oman. Data (including self-reported weight and height) was collected through a questionnaire-based survey. Body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS).. Students’ responses were collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Results: A total of 351 medical students participated in the study (mean age of 21.6 + 2.2 years, mean BMI of 22.7 + 4.3 kg/m 2 ). Most students were within normal ranges of BMI (63%), 12% were underweight and 25% overweight/ with obesity. Around 66% of students perceived their body image correctly; students at extremes of BMI were more accurate about their body image perceptions. Body image dissatisfaction was high (80%) among the respondents ; 73.5% 0f those dissatisfied desired to be thinner. The association between self-reported BMI with perceived BMI and body image dissatisfaction was significant (p<0.001). Only 18.2% of students felt “attractive”. The association between body image perception and body image dissatisfaction was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: A high degree of body image dissatisfaction and incorrect body image perceptions exists among medical students. There is an increased desire to be thinner and a majority feel unattractive. There is a need to foster healthy body image perceptions among students of health sciences as they are the future in healthcare and can influence the health beliefs in our society.

Divecha, C. A., Simon, M. A., Asaad, A. A., & Tayyab, H

https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/squmj/article/view/4536