Correlates of body image dissatisfaction in postmenopausal women: Weight cycling and physical activity level in Women's Health Initiative participants

Body image dissatisfaction in postmenopausal women was examined. In particular, this study investigated whether women who have a pattern of weight change have greater body image dissatisfaction than women without a pattern of weight change, and whether women who engage in higher rates of physical activity have lower rates of body image dissatisfaction. The subjects were part of a large multi-site longitudinal study known as the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Measures used in the study were collected at baseline and/or third-year follow-up. Physical measurements were taken at clinic visits by staff All other measures were obtained by self-report using standardized questionnaires. Controlling statistically for demographic variables, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, quality of life, social support, depression level, and three food variables, low physical activity and a history of weight change at baseline predicted higher body image dissatisfaction at the three-year follow-up. Increasing physical activity level in postmenopausal women may contribute to a decrease in body image dissatisfaction. Likewise, helping younger women avoid a lifetime pattern of weight change may also lead to lower levels of body image dissatisfaction in older women. By intervening at this level, it may be possible to improve psychological well-being in this population.