Body Image Perception and its relationship with mental well being in female medical students: A cross-sectional study from Jammu, J&K, India

Background: Body image dissatisfaction (Discrepancy between one's perceived and ideal body image) has wide ranging influence on individual's life ranging from benign to severe social concerns. The present study aimed to examine body image perception and its relationship with mental well being among female medical students. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted w.e.f. January to March 2025 in a Medical School in Jammu city, UT of J&K, India. Socio-demographic details and self-reported weight and height were recorded through a question based survey. The Kuppuswamy scale was used to assess the socio-economic status of the participants. Stunkard Figure Rating Scale was used to assess body image perception and satisfaction. Results: A total of 354 female medical students participated and 47.7% of them had normal Body Mass Index (BMI). It was found that 52.26 % of the respondents had body image perception of normal weight while 32.7% thought they were overweight. Age and level of satisfaction with body image were significantly associated with current body image perception (p<0.05). Variables like socio economic status, residential status, level of satisfaction with body image and perception of current body image were significantly associated with mental well being (p<0.05). Conclusion: One third of female medical students were found to overestimate their current body image which reflects increased desire to be thinner. Healthy body image perceptions need to be fostered among medical students who as future doctors will have sway on health beliefs of individuals in general and society in particular.