Body shape concerns across racial and ethnic groups among adults in the United States: More similarities than differences

This study evaluated the relationship between race/ethnicity and body shape concerns among adults in the U.S. and evaluated if this relationship varied by Body Mass Index (BMI) and gender. Data were collected from U.S. adults (N = 2,212) using a national online survey panel designed to approximate the US census data. Gender, age, race/ethnicity, BMI and body shape concerns (Body Shape Questionnaire) were assessed. Analysis of variance was utilized to evaluate the race/ethnicity and BSQ association and if the relationship varied by gender and BMI category. The sample (65 % White, 13 % Black/African American, 16 % Latino/Hispanic/Mexican American and 6 % Asian/Pacific Islander) was 50 % female; mean age of 44.2 years (SD = 16.8); BMI of 27.4 (SD = 6.7). A gender by BMI category interaction (p < .01) revealed no difference in BSQ scores by gender when BMI < 18, but higher BSQ scores among women for all other BMI groups. A main effect of race/ethnicity revealed BSQ scores were equally high across racial/ethnic groups, except individuals who identified as White (M = 42.0, SD = 19.7) reported higher BSQ than those identified as Asian/Pacific Islander (M = 37.4, SD = 17.4). Body shape concerns are common among US adults. Individuals of racial/ethnic minority status may experience similar gender- and BMI-related differences in body shape concerns as White individuals.