Gender Differences between Body Weight and Psychological Well-Being during Young Adulthood: A Brief Report

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between gender, body weight and psychological well-being among a sample of college students. Results indicated that compared to participants in the “normal” weight range, participants classified as “over weight/obese” reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Further analyses found that among males, but not females, increases in body mass index (BMI) were associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and psychological well-being. Results are discussed in relation to stigma theory and gender-specific cultural norms regarding weight.