Author(s): Shabnam Joshi, Alka Pawalia, Bharti Kundu and Vikram Singh Yadav

Abstract:
Youngsters today are self-conscious and more focused about their looks and appearance. Also childhood obesity is common and prevailing leading to various associated problems in young people. The present study was done on 160 females (18-25 years) to see a relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and body image amongst university female students. Body image was measured using a standard questionnaire. The results showed that 27.75% and 35% of girls were overweight and obese. Also, there was a significant positive correlation of body image with increasing BMI (p<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation of BMI with waist and hip circumference too (p<0.01). The present study concludes that 58.7% females were overweight and obese, which is a very high figure and also not good for their health and it may lead to several problems. It also shows that young girls become increasingly more conscious of their body image as their BMI increases. Young girls should be advised to maintain a healthy weight and BMI to prevent associated problems and to have a better future health.

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