Influence of aesthetic beauty models on body image in indigenous communities in Latin America: a systematic review

Indigenous communities in Latin America remain underrepresented in body image research despite sociocultural transitions. This systematic review aimed to identify the influence of aesthetic beauty models and sociocultural factors on body image in Indigenous communities belonging to Latin America.

Following PRISMA and SPIDER guidance, a systematic search (October 28, 2025) was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, and SciELO, as well as specialized eating-disorder journals. Observational and qualitative/mixed-methods studies involving Latin American Indigenous populations and addressing body image in relation to sociocultural/aesthetic models were included.

Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria, spanning multiple Indigenous and rural groups in Latin America. Across settings, findings indicated the coexistence of two partially competing frameworks: (1) persistence of local/traditional values in which larger bodies and/or curvilinearity may be associated with normality, health, status, or functionality, and (2) growing influence of Western/globalized appearance ideals emphasizing thinness and/or specific body proportions, particularly among younger women and in contexts of market integration and media access. Body dissatisfaction was frequent but heterogeneous in direction, with evidence of bidirectional dissatisfaction in some samples. Media effects were context-dependent: some studies supported causal influence of televisual exposure during technological transition, whereas others highlighted stronger roles for family, peers, and healthcare providers. Measurement concerns were recurrent, including limited cultural fit of silhouette-based tools.

Body image in Latin American Indigenous communities reflects complex cultural negotiation between traditional meanings and Westernized ideals. More culturally grounded, longitudinal, and methodologically adapted research is needed to inform prevention and intervention approaches that protect body wellbeing without imposing Western frameworks.