Social media fuels body image issues in young women, but diet link is weaker

By Tarun Sai LomteReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 20 2024

While social media drives body image worries in young women, its direct effect on diet quality and eating behaviors may not be as strong, hinting at deeper psychological and cultural influences.

Study: Associations Between Body Image, Eating Behaviors, and Diet Quality Among Young Women in New Zealand: The Role of Social Media. Image Credit: Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients investigated associations between diet quality, body image, and eating behaviors among young females in New Zealand.

Body image disturbance is a major psychological concern among young females. Reports suggest that body image is linked to diet quality and eating behaviors. Autonomous exercise motivations and positive body image are associated with healthier eating outcomes. Further, the pervasive presence of social media is associated with shaping negative body perceptions, which could elevate the risk of developing body image disturbances.

Despite the recognition of social media in shaping body image perception, the relationship between social media, eating behaviors, and body image disturbance is poorly understood. Several studies have highlighted the pervasive influence of social media platforms on body image dissatisfaction, particularly in younger people. For example, 65% of the study's participants scored above the clinical threshold for body image disturbance. In addition, females are more likely to have disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction than males.

About the study

In the present study, researchers at the University of Auckland and the University of Sydney investigated the relationship between body image disturbance, diet quality, and eating behaviors among young females aged 18–24 in New Zealand. The study involved qualitative and quantitative phases, encompassing focus group discussions and questionnaires.

The qualitative phase involved 19 participants from different educational and occupational backgrounds. These participants completed the three-factor eating questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-r18). The quantitative phase comprised 50 participants who underwent a screening related to fruit/vegetable intake, exercise, medical history, and social media literacy. Participants meeting national exercise and fruit/vegetable intake guidelines and those participating in healthy lifestyle programs were excluded. Further exclusions included participants with major medical problems or a history of diagnosed eating disorders.

In the qualitative phase, individuals’ perceptions of social media's influence on their dietary behaviors and body satisfaction were investigated; this phase also explored the utility of social media in addressing them. Discussions were held online, each with two to nine participants, for approximately one hour. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, four validated questionnaires were administered: TFEQ-r18, social influence questionnaire (SIQ), food frequency questionnaire, short form (SF-FFQ), and body image disturbance questionnaire (BIDQ).

In addition, the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) was used to determine cohort and individual diet quality; it was adapted to suit SF-FFQ responses. A multiple regression analysis assessed the relationship between TFEQ and ARFS and between SIQ and BIDQ. A bivariate correlation analysis was also performed.

Findings

Qualitative phase participants identified themselves as Asian, New Zealand European, Fijian Indian, or European. Their most used social media apps were Instagram and TikTok. Quantitative phase participants identified themselves as New Zealand European, Chinese, Indian, Korean, or others; they were familiar with social media and engaged with them daily.

The qualitative phase identified several themes related to social media and body image perceptions. It revealed that social media platforms propagate unrealistic beauty ideals by facilitating unfavorable social comparisons and manipulating images. Participants frequently expressed feelings of guilt and pressure to conform to these idealized images. Besides, constant exposure to these narrow views could contribute to body dissatisfaction and negative self-perception.

Further, the analysis illustrated how social media promotes unrealistic nutrition and diet advice, leading to unhealthy behaviors and attitudes. Diet quality, per the ARFS, was low for 30% of participants and moderately healthy for 24%. Of the 50 participants, 45% demonstrated moderate levels of uncontrolled eating, and 36.5% showed moderate levels of emotional eating. Most participants had mild/moderate body image disturbance. In fact, 65% of participants scored above the clinical threshold for body image disturbance. Associations between BIDQ and ARFS scores were insignificant. Likewise, disordered eating patterns and the ARFS showed weak, insignificant associations. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between time spent on social media and body image disturbance (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). Similarly, although body image disturbance and uncontrolled eating had a notable relationship, it was negligible.

The study also found that social media familiarity was significantly associated with post frequency, engagement frequency, and health-seeking behaviors on social media. Besides, higher social media familiarity correlated with increased body image disturbance. Diet quality was not associated with BIDQ scores or social media variables, and emotional or uncontrolled eating was not associated with social media variables.

Conclusions

Taken together, the findings suggest that exposure to social media is significantly associated with body image disturbance among young females in New Zealand. While body image concerns were strongly tied to social media, the direct impact of social media on eating behaviors, such as uncontrolled and emotional eating, was weaker. Moreover, the correlations between social media influence and diet quality or eating patterns were weak, suggesting that other factors may mediate these outcomes. The study highlighted the unique cultural context of New Zealand, where social norms and a growing awareness of media manipulation may help buffer the negative effects of social media.