Fighting The Obesity Epidemic: The Influence of Television Commercials on Body Appreciation, Self-esteem, and Mood in Women

This study investigated the influence of health-related commercials advertising weight-loss, nutrition, or exercise, on body appreciation, self-esteem and mood in women. One hundred and five women between the ages of 18-44 viewed either health (N=55) or non-health (N=50) related commercials. Participants were randomly assigned to each group. Body appreciation, self-esteem, and mood were assessed pre- and post-commercial viewing. Results indicate strong correlational relationships between the main study variables. Additionally, the study yielded an association between age, self-esteem, and mood. Commercial exposure did not yield significant main effects on body appreciation, self-esteem, or mood. The results of this study suggest future exploration on race and age in body image literature and further investigation on the messages portrayed in the media pertaining to the potential impacts on mental health.