Percepción de la imagen corporal y su relación con el género y el Índice de Masa Corporal en los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Abstract

Abstract:The research addressed body image with the objective of determining the perception of body image among students of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja and its relationship with gender and Body Mass Index. The final sample consisted of 336 students. Students were invited to participate. The Silhouette Test by Montero, Morales, and Carvajal was administered, where they chose the silhouette with which they identified. This test determined their perceived Body Mass Index (BMI). Specific anthropometric measurements of weight and height were taken to calculate the actual BMI. The actual BMI was subtracted from the perceived BMI to categorize body image perception. Finally, an infographic was created that provided nutritional information on positive body image perception and healthy eating habits. Significant differences were found between students' body image perceptions based on their BMI and gender. Males presented greater body image distortions.