Title
Body Image in Older Women: A Mediator of BMI and Wellness Behaviors
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
Abstract
Negative body image is prevalent among mid- and late-life women. In younger women, negative body image is associated with reduced quality of life (QOL) when controlling for body mass index (BMI), and mediates the relationship between obesity and emotional wellbeing. Yet, much remains unknown about body image in older populations. In our sample of women aged 50–86 (N = 181), negative body image mediated the relationship between BMI and sleep, all four domains of QOL, negative affect, nutritious food consumption, and psychosocial impairment, but not enjoyment of physical activity. Findings suggest negative body image impacts the wellbeing of older women.
Identifier
PMID: 31751189
DOI
10.1080/08952841.2019.1692629
Publisher
Routledge
ISSN
08952841
Repository Citation
Kilpela, L. S., Verzijl, C. L., & Becker, C. B. (2021). Body image in older women: a mediator of BMI and wellness behaviors. Journal of Women and Aging, 33(3), 298-311. http://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2019.1692629
Publication Information
Journal of Women and Aging