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Abstract

Body perception is among the factors determining overweight and obesity. This investigation aimed to study body size preferences and to examine the socio-cultural factors that influence obesity. A figural scale consisting of nine images ranging from thin to obese are presented to a sample of 249 Moroccan Sahraoui women, to rate their ideal body size and the size they thought to be â�?�?healthyâ�?. The participants indicated also the socio-cultural influences that affected their body size ratings. The results showed that womenâ�?�?s rating of ideal body size (4.88) was significantly larger than their rating of healthy body size (4.33). The desire to lose weight was very low even among the majority of obese women, and that educational level did not affect their desire to lose weight. Women that are not satisfied with their body size were more likely to report â�?�?trying to gainâ�? rather than â�?�?to loseâ�? weight. Mothers, men, and fitting in traditional clothing are the major factors reported by the participants that influence their ideal body size. The study data show that preventing obesity and its complications are a challenge for health sector in Morocco and that any prevention program should include teenagers and key family members.

Biography

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