[Satisfaction with body image in a universitary population of the Comunidad de Madrid]

To evaluate anthropometric characteristics and satisfaction with self body image in a group of university students.

64 university students from 21 to 25 years old, 36 females and 28 males, were studied. Body composition was evaluated by anthropometric data and bioimpedance. Satisfaction with body image was self evaluated by a score from 0 to 10.

Mean BMI was 21.95 and fat mass 12.15 ± 5.27 Kg, greater in women. Satisfaction level was high, with a mean score of 7.15 + 1.15, only 3 participants rated themselves below 5 points. There were no differences between sexes and there was not correlation between self evaluation and anthropometric data in the whole group but, in women, an inverse correlation (r=-0.52) between self evaluation and BMI was observed. This correlation was lesser (r=-0.30) between self evaluation and fat mass percent.

Anthropometric characteristics in the study population were appropriate, as reflected by the high level of satisfaction with their body images. Nevertheless, there is a trend towards a lower self evaluation at greater BMI in women. This trend is not so strong with greater fat mass percent, despite this parameter would represent more exactly the real body image.