A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BODY DYSMORPHIA AND EATING DISORDERS.

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.03.441

Abstract

BACKGROUND: BDD is characterized by a fixation with physical faults or imperfections that are either unseen

to others or appear to be trivial to them whereas, eating disorders are complex illnesses that are affecting

adolescents with increasing frequency. Their causes are very complex and may involve genetic, environmental

and psychological factors, such as low esteem, poor body image and negativity. OBJECTIVE: To find out the

association between body dysmorphia and eating disorders METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out

from the University of Lahore, Lahore. Total 100 participants were selected through a non-probability convenient

sampling technique. Participants were assessed through a pretested questionnaire.RESULTS: The results

concluded that 18 participants out of 100 hid their body parts and also did crash diets to lose weight. While, 30

participants who don’t hide their body parts but do crash diets to lose weight. The results also reflect that the

majority of the participants were worried about their looks and restricted their diet. Among the 100 participants,

13 participants always believed that starving speeds up weight loss, 35 participants induced vomiting sometimes,

whereas 22 participants always skipped their meals. These results indicate the presence of symptoms of eating

disorders and Body Dysmorphia simultaneously.PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: This article holds significance

for the community as it investigates the link between body dysmorphia and eating disorders via a cross-sectional

study. This research can provide valuable insights into understanding the relationship between these two

psychological conditions, which could potentially lead to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for

individuals affected by them. By shedding light on the connection, the article contributes to both the fields of

mental health and overall well-being in society. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that participants

simultaneously observed many symptoms of Body dysmorphia and eating disorder. The symptoms of both the

disorders overlap and the participants having eating disorders had more tendency to incline towards body

dysmorphia. Simultaneously, for participants who had BDD, symptoms like dietary restrictions and uncontrollable

food cravings existed leading to eating disorders.