Body Mass Index, Body Satisfaction, and Body Image Discrepancy among Latinx Men: Implications for Latinx-Centered Cancer and Diabetes Risk Reduction Interventions.

We examined the influence of body image discrepancy on body satisfaction and the potential moderating roles of Latinx background and body mass index (BMI), among a weight-diverse sample of 201 Puerto Rican (n = 102) and Mexican (n = 99) men (aged 18-65 years) who participated in a NIH-funded study examining cultural variables related to diet, exercise, and body image. Participants completed measures on demographics and body image perceptions and satisfaction. Body image discrepancy was calculated using the Figure Rating Scale, which assessed their current and ideal body images, and body satisfaction was examined using the 9-item Body Areas Satisfaction Subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. BMI was computed from objective measures of height and weight and categorized as normal weight (BMI = 18.5 - 24.9), overweight (BMI = 25.0 - 29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Results showed a negative association between body image discrepancy and body satisfaction, such that as body image discrepancy increased, body satisfaction decreased. This relationship was moderated by BMI. Stratified analyses indicated that increases in body image discrepancy were associated with decreases in body satisfaction only among men with normal and obese weight but not among men with overweight. These findings suggest that researchers and healthcare providers may need to consider weight category when developing cancer and diabetes risk reduction interventions to address overweight and obesity in Latinx men. For Latinx men with overweight, interventions may need to focus on other health metrics to engage them in weight management strategies.