Body Image and Body Composition among youth in UAE

This study aims to explore the relationships of the body composition measures, specifically fat free mass index (FFM-I) with self-perceived body image and shape among a convenient sample of young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This cross-sectional study was carried from March to April 2019, at the University of Sharjah (UOS), UAE, using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The aim and objectives of the research study were explained to all the participants before providing the written informed consent.

Fat free mass index (FFM-I) may be a promising tool for assessing risk of body image disorders. This cross-sectional study, explored the relationships between FFM-I and self-perceived body image and shape among youngsters in United Arab Emirates. It was conducted in 2019, at University of Sharjah (n= 199 M; 203 F). Assessment was done using questionnaire on demographics and lifestyle; Stunkard Figure Rating Scale; and Body Shape. Anthropometrics were measured using BMI, waist-to-height (WtHR) ratio and FFM-I. Majority (81%) of participants had adequate muscle mass (AMM). Nearly half of them (48.5%) were concerned about their body shape. Most of the participants (76.3%) were dissatisfied with their body image and 55.2% desired to be thinner. Males had significantly higher BMI, body fat and WtHR compared to females. Participants with low muscles mass (LMM), irrespective of gender, were underweight (49% F; 40.7% M), had a normal WtHR (98% F; 81.5% M) and desired to be heavier (44.9% F; 74.1% M). Generally, the participants showed fair agreement between perceived and actual BMI (k=0.4). Nevertheless, those with LMM had lower agreement in their perceived BMI versus actual BMI (k=0.024; poor) compared with those with AMM (k=0.408; fair); and in general males had better agreement between their perceived and actual BMI compared to females (0.432, moderate vs. 0.308, fair). In conclusion, LMM and female gender were associated with poorer body image perception and lower satisfaction. Our findings highlight the importance of increasing awareness about muscle mass among youngsters, to help them improve body image perception.

Ethical approval of this study was obtained from the UOS Research Ethics Committee (Ref. REC-19-03-07-03-S).