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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Obesity and body image
Marlene B Schwartz1, Kelly D Brownell
1Department of Psychology, Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, Yale University, P.O. Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. marlene.schwartz@yale.edu
Body Image
|December 20, 2007
Summary
Western culture
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Societal emphasis on thinness negatively impacts obese individuals' body image.
- Obesity is linked to poor body image, but vulnerability varies.
- Internalization of weight stigma contributes to body dissatisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify risk factors for poor body image in obese individuals.
- Explore interventions for improving body image in overweight populations.
- Examine integration of body image treatment with weight loss programs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obesity, body image, and risk factors.
- Analysis of existing research on body image interventions for overweight individuals.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding factors influencing body image distress.
Main Results:
- Degree of overweight, being female, and binge eating are identified risk factors.
- Early onset of obesity, race, and other factors may increase vulnerability.
- Effective treatments for improving body image in overweight individuals exist.
Conclusions:
- Vulnerability to poor body image among obese individuals is multifactorial.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address body image distress.
- Integrating body image support with weight management is crucial for prevention.
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