Body image dissatisfaction is evaluated according to the difference between the real figure and idealized figure, and could influence eating behaviors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body dissatisfaction among female university students from the five regions of Brazil and possible associations and correlations with age, nutritional status, individual income and parental education. METHODS: 2,402 students answered the Stunkard's Body Image Scale and regions were compared by variance analysis, and correlations among variables with Pearson's and Spearman's coefficients. RESULTS: 64.4% desired a figure smaller than their actual one, and even the normal weight range students chose ideal and healthy smaller figures. In North region the ideal and healthy patterns were smaller and in the Central West bigger. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of body dissatisfaction was common among Brazilian university students and some regional and socio demographic differences must be considered.
Body dissatisfaction; body image; college students
