Percepción de la imagen corporal, composición corporal y conducta alimentaria de riesgo en adolescentes de último grado de una preparatoria privada

Abstract

Background:
The BSQ-18 (Body Shape Questionnaire) tool is used to assess body dissatisfaction, measured through 18 items that include concern about weight, body shape, and behaviors related to diet and exercise. Eating disorders (EDs) and associated risk behaviors are especially prevalent in young women. Identifying these behaviors at early stages is extremely crucial to prevent long-term physical and psychiatric complications.
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between body image perception, body composition (including body fat percentage, musculoskeletal mass, body mass index, and visceral fat level), and risky eating behavior in adolescents aged 17 to 19 years who are in the last grade of a private high school in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, during the spring semester 2025.
Methods:
A sample of 41 students (26 females and 15 males) from the last grade of a high school in San Pedro Garza Garcia was used. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-18) and the Risky Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CAR) were used to assess body image perception and eating behaviors, respectively. Body composition was measured using the InBody H20N® analyzer and the InLab S50® stadiometer.
Results:
No statistically significant relationship was found between body image perception and body composition variables (BMI, fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat). However, a significant relationship was identified between body image perception and risky eating behavior.
Conclusión:
There is no statistically significant relationship between body image perception and body composition in the adolescent population studied. However, a significant relationship was observed between body image perception and risky eating behavior. In addition, the presence of obesity and cardiovascular risk in the sample was highlighted, according to body composition indicators.
Keywords:
Body composition, risk eating behavior, body image perception.

Date of Award	19 May 2025
Original language	Spanish
Awarding Institution	Universidad de Monterrey