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Special Issue "Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health"

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 27870

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Prof. Dr. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

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Guest Editor

Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: anthropometry; physical activity; obesity; exercise and health; body composition; body image perception; native and migrant populations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Luciana Zaccagni

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Guest Editor

Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: sports sciences; motor learning; biomechanics; anthropometry; physical fitness; sports and performance; wellbeing; motor development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Good physical, social, and mental health is more likely when a person has a positive body perception. The spread of eating disorders has a negative influence on physical, social, and mental health, increasing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). The World Health Organization (2021) asserts that 71% of all deaths globally are caused by NCDs. Overweight/obesity increases the risk of NCDs. Although dissatisfaction may also be present in normal-weight individuals, overweight/obesity is usually related to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and depression. An unhealthy lifestyle is generally the main cause of obesity and the resulting body dissatisfaction. Through prevention, individual risky behaviors can be modified, contributing to a public health gain. In particular, in addition to diet, the role of exercise and physical activity for individuals of all ages should be stressed.

This Special Issue is intended to highlight the current challenges and strategies for managing and preventing body dissatisfaction linked to nutritional status using various research methods. Therefore, it provides an excellent opportunity to publish different types of research (including quantitative and qualitative research, original articles, and short communications, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis) focusing on nutritional status and its impact on physical, social, and mental wellbeing and health. We invite researchers from a variety of disciplinary areas (including medicine, nutrition, anthropometrics, psychology and sociology, and sports science, among others) to submit their manuscripts on these topics for this Special Issue of IJERPH.

Prof. Dr. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
Dr. Luciana Zaccagni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

body perception
body dissatisfaction
risk factors
body composition
nutritional status
overweight/obesity
exercise
physical activity
diet
lifestyle

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Body Image Perception in Adolescents: The Role of Sports Practice and Sex

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215119 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1798

Abstract

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents, as adolescence represents a time of intense and rapid change. This cross-sectional study assessed the difference in body image perception by sex, weight status and sports practice in a sample of Italians aged 13–18 years. For this purpose, we considered a sample of 140 adolescents subdivided into two groups: a group of sports-playing teenagers practicing volleyball (39 males and 26 females), and a group of teenagers not actively involved in sports (24 males and 51 females). Body mass index (BMI), body image variables, and sports practice were examined. Due to COVID-19 limitations, height and weight were self-reported and BMI was calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in meters). Body image perception was assessed by the short version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14) and by the Stunkard Body Silhouette Chart. Two-way ANCOVAs adjusted for age were performed to test the differences between sexes and sports groups. Adolescent volleyball players had a lower incidence of weight disorders. Weight status significantly differed between those who played sports and those who did not, but there was no significant difference in weight status between sexes. On the whole, sports players and males showed higher results than non-sports players and females. The highest level of body image dissatisfaction was found in non-sports-playing females, while sports-playing males showed the lowest. The present study confirms the positive link between sport and body image and can be of support to lead adolescents to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. Further research is needed to validate our findings through a longitudinal study during the entire period of adolescence. In addition, it would be interesting to validate the results on a larger sample, also taking into account socio-demographic variables and including athletes engaged in different types of sports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Assessment of General and Central Obesity in Urban Moroccan Women

Natascia Rinaldo

Stefania Toselli

Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

Meriem Khyatti

Amina Gihbid

and

Luciana Zaccagni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116819 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

In the last few decades, North African countries have faced the nutrition transition, leading to an increase in obesity, exacerbated by an extremely low rate of physical activity (PA). Particular attention must be paid to abdominal obesity (one of the metabolic syndrome criteria), which has been linked to several health problems. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight/obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, in a sample of urban Moroccan women and to analyze the anthropometric indicators of metabolic syndrome risk among subsamples with different PA and socio-demographic characteristics. Urban Moroccan women living in Casablanca (n = 304; mean age 37.4 ± 15.6 years) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Data concerning socio-demographic variables, PA behavior, and anthropometric measures (height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences) were directly collected. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and relative fat mass were computed. Comparisons between women with different socio-demographic characteristics were performed through ANCOVA adjusted for age. The results reveal that 39.4% of the women did not practice any PA. The percentage of women above the cutoffs of risk for general and central obesity was more than half for all the indexes, except for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and 19.6% were at a very high risk of health issues. Moreover, being female unmarried, childless, graduates, and students were found to be protective against obesity. In conclusion, Moroccan women have a high level of obesity, especially abdominal, and preventive interventions are needed to reduce the health impact of obesity in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

Open AccessArticle

Pet Presence Can Reduce Anxiety in the Elderly: The Italian Experience during COVID-19 Lockdown Assessed by an Electronic Survey

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106135 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1640

Abstract

The lockdown imposed in Italy due to the COVID-19 outbreak required restrictions that severely limited individual freedom to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. This situation psychologically challenged the entire Italian population but mostly the elderly. The “Digital mental health approach” employs digital tools to evaluate and prevent increasing mental health problems. “Anonymous online electronic surveys” are digital tools that assess rates of mental health outcomes (using for example self-assessment/awareness tools). Immediately at the beginning of restrictions, we designed an electronic survey a) to remotely investigate the psychological impact of the lockdown and b) to compare the anxiety between pet owners and not-pet owners. A total of 3905 subjects filled out the survey; we focused our study on 781 (20%) elderly subjects. Dividing elderly patients between pet-owners (n = 405) and not-pet owners (n = 376), the pet owners showed a Zung scale score significantly lower in respect to the not-pet owners. We observed that, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the pet presence could have a positive effect on anxiety in the elderly subject. These results: (A) encourage the use of mobile technologies for the assessment of psychological disorders that can be promptly employed in emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak; (B) highlight the positive effect of pet interaction to mitigate the psychological distress in elderly people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Body-Size Perception among First-Generation Chinese Migrants in Italy

and

Pietro Amedeo Modesti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106063 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443

Abstract

Body-size perception is an important factor in motivating people to lose weight. Study aim was to explore the perception of body image among first-generation Chinese migrants living in Italy. A sample of 1258 Chinese first-generation immigrants and of 285 native Italians living in Prato, Italy, underwent blood pressure measurements, blood tests (with measurement of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides), and anthropometric measurements. Body-size perception was investigated with Pulvers’ figure rating scale using logistic or linear multivariable regression adjusted for age, gender, BMI, education and years spent in Italy. Chinese migrants had lower BMI and discrepancy score (preferred minus current body size) than Italians (p < 0.05 for both). After a logistic regression analysis, the discrepancy score remained lower in the Chinese than in the Italian cohort independently from BMI and other confounders (OR 0.68; 95%CI 0.50 to 0.92). In the Chinese cohort, female gender, BMI and years spent in Italy were positive determinants of discrepancy score (desire to be thinner), while age showed negative impact (p < 0.05 for all). Overweight is an important risk factor for diabetes, a very prevalent condition among first-generation Chinese migrants. The present study offers useful information and suggests the need for prevention programs specifically addressed to men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Body Image Perception and Ideals: Analysis of Possible Determinants

Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

and

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052745 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 14068

Abstract

The study analyzed the differences between sexes in body image perception and body ideals to assess possible dissatisfaction and misinterpretation in the body image considered attractive for the other sex. Moreover, the influence of anthropometric traits and sports practice on body dissatisfaction and misjudgment was evaluated. Using a cross-sectional design, 960 Italian university students were investigated. Anthropometric characteristics were measured directly. Assessment of body image perception was performed using Thompson and Gray’s silhouettes. We developed two new indexes to assess the possible discrepancy between (1) the perceived silhouette of one’s body and that of the same sex deemed attractive to the other sex (FAD); (2) the silhouette is deemed attractive to the opposite sex and the average attractive silhouette selected by the opposite sex (AMOAD). As expected, females showed greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than males concerning both their own ideal and the silhouette they considered attractive to the opposite sex. Although both sexes misjudged the attractive silhouette for the opposite sex, women were found to be more wrong. According to the outcomes of multivariate regression models, stature, body composition parameters, amount of sport, sex, and FAD were significant predictors of dissatisfaction and misjudgment. In addition to action aimed at correcting misperceptions, the study revealed the importance of sports participation in improving the perception and acceptance of one’s body image. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Body Positivity and Self-Compassion on a Publicly Available Behavior Change Weight Management Program

Ellen Siobhan Mitchell

and

Andreas Michealides

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413358 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4987

Abstract

According to recent research, body positivity and self-compassion are key outcomes that are tied to better psychological and physical health. To date, it is unclear whether body positivity and self-compassion improve, stay constant, or deteriorate over the course of a weight management program, particularly one that addresses the psychological roots of behavior change. Additionally, beyond controlled settings, there are no studies on body positivity and self-compassion in individuals who choose to join a commercial weight management program. Therefore, this single-arm prospective study examined changes in body positivity and self-compassion from baseline to the 16 week milestone of Noom Weight, a commercial behavior change weight management program informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We also examined how baseline and over-time changes in body positivity and self-compassion predicted engagement in program-measured relevant behaviors (e.g., exercises logged). Participants were a random subset of individuals who had recently self-enrolled in the program (n = 133). Body positivity and self-compassion were measured via survey at baseline and end of the core program (16 weeks). Self-reported weight and program-recorded engagement were extracted from the program database. Compared to baseline, body appreciation, body image flexibility, self-compassion, and body-focused rumination significantly improved at 16 weeks (all ps < 0.007). Participants lost a statistically significant amount of weight (3.9 kg; t(128)) = 10.64, p < 0.001) by 16 weeks, which was 4.4% body weight. Greater engagement, especially messaging a coach, reading articles, and logging meals, was associated with improvements over time in body appreciation (r = 0.17, p = 0.04), body image flexibility (r = −0.23, p = 0.007), and the brooding component of rumination (r = −0.23, p = 0.007). Greater engagement was also associated with baseline total self-compassion (r = 0.19, p = 0.03) and self-judgment (r = 0.24, p = 0.006). The results suggest that individuals experience improvements in body positivity and self-compassion while learning about ACT, DBT, and CBT through curriculum and coaching in this setting. The results also have important clinical implications, such as the possibility that psychologically-oriented (i.e., ACT, DBT, and CBT-based) weight management could be important to improve body positivity or that baseline self-compassion could be used to target individuals at risk for lower engagement. Future work should investigate these possibilities as well as delineate the causal relationships between body positivity, self-compassion, engagement, and weight loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Luciana Zaccagni

and

Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065228 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1706

Abstract

Concerns about body image may affect athletes, mainly because of specific sports models to achieve successful performance. This systematic review reports on body image dissatisfaction (BID) in athletes following the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. From a total of 887 articles identified through a systematic search of electronic databases, 15 articles conducted on 2412 athletes were included in this review. To be eligible for inclusion, the studies must have been published in the last ten years up until September 2022 and analyze body image perception using body figure drawings and anthropometric profiles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. These studies were compared through thematic analysis of BID to develop four general issues, including gender, sport type and level, and weight status. According to the meta-analyses, the significant medium and small effect sizes found for gender and weight status, respectively, indicated that male athletes had lower BID than females and that, among the latter, normal-weight athletes had a higher BID than underweight ones. The implications and limitations of the included studies are discussed extensively in this review, highlighting the need for further research on BID examined both in the social and the sports contexts. Sports activity should be carried out following healthy lifestyles, and promoting positive BI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical, Mental, and Social Wellbeing and Health)

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