WHAT IS THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN A GROUP OF ADULT WOMEN?

Background and objectives: Body image has been defined as a multidimensional structure that differ in two underlying dimensions, the first refers to the perceptual aspects of body size estimation and the second includes the emotions or feelings that the individual has associated with his physical appearance and cognitive assessments that makes of its own body (Cash 1994). Having a negative body image can affect health. When this happens there is a greater predisposition to more disturbances such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anorexia, bulimia, and many others that can have serious consequences. (Salaberria et al 2007) Women have a greater vulnerability in light of these disorders due to the strong social pressure on their own appearance and socialization processes that emphasize aspects of appearance. Set the perception of body image in a representative healthy adult women of Valladolid (Spain) collective. Methods: Cross sectional study; sample of 500 women aged 40 to 60 years, mean age 51.16, and urban area ofthe city of Valladolid, intermediate between the Spanish cities, which guarantees that the probability of error will not exceed 5%. We used a self-designed questionnaire formed by questions that assess anthropometric and attitudinal variables. This questionnaire takes as a reference: Body Image Questionnaire Questionnaire by Cooper and Attitude towards food by Gardner. Results: From estimates of height and weight data we obtain a mean BMI of 24.43, within normal parameters. 87.5% of women are concerned about their body weight, between of them the 78% of the cases are concerned due to a combination of aesthetic and health reasons. The 57.14%, have tried to hide their silhouette with clothes and if we calculate the IAC (Alvarez Rayon) it gives a score of 108.11 listed as moderate over estimation of weight. In the perception of body image, estimated by using models, we find that the 37.49% believe that the model that represent them has overweight or obesity. Conclusions: The women in our study have a normal mean BMI. They are concerned about their weight, which overestimate moderately. They try to hide their silhouette and consider that their image corresponds to overweight in a high percentage of cases.