Dismorfia corporal y conductas alimenticias de riesgo en usuarios del gimnasio de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana durante el periodo 2024

Abstract

The study conducted at the University Politécnica Salesiana gym has provided valuable insights into body dysmorphia and risk eating behaviors among gym users. The results highlight a high prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and notable dissatisfaction with body image, demonstrating how social pressures and aesthetic ideals negatively impact students' body perception and eating behaviors. The assessment tools used, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Body Image Satisfaction Scale (ICE). The Y-BOCS revealed a range of obsessive- compulsive symptoms among participants, while the ICE showed significant levels of body image dissatisfaction, particularly among women. The study also revealed how the university environment, with its culture of pressure to meet aesthetic standards, contributes to these concerns. The body image culture within the university intensifies worries about physical appearance, affecting students' mental health and eating behaviors. This academic context amplifies body image concerns, highlighting the need for specific interventions in this setting. The study's findings are crucial for developing more effective intervention strategies. The high prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and identified body dissatisfaction indicate an urgent need to combine physical activity promotion with mental health support and education on healthy body image.