An Examination of The Effect of Weight and Satisfaction with Body Shape on Self-Esteem Among Men in Qatar

Abstract

This study objective was to establish the effect of body mass index on satisfaction with body shape and self-esteem. An explanatory research design was adopted, and three hypotheses were tested using a sample size of 191 Qatari men. Correlation and regression analyses were used to test the relationship and effect of independent variables on a dependent variable.

Findings showed that body mass index had no effect on self-esteem (F (1, 189) 1.74, p >.05, R2 = .009), but a significant effect was established between body mass index and satisfaction with body shape (F (1, 189) = 36.23, p < .001, R2 = .161). Also, satisfaction with body shape was found to have significant on self-esteem (F (1, 189) = 14.10, p < .001, R2 = .130) among the surveyed men in Qatar.

It is concluded that the cultural factors could have had an impact on having observed no relationship between BMI and esteem because, generally in Qatar, men who are underweight are perceived to be weak and poor while those who are overweight is a sign of strength and rich. However, satisfaction with body shape appeared to be an important factor that influences self-esteem among Qatari men.

It is recommended that medical practitioners carry out counselling to Qatari men to make them realize that being overweight and obese has health implications and need to live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food and doing exercises. This is likely to improve men’s BMI, satisfaction with their body shape and self-esteem.