Perceptions of body weight, shape, obesity, and body image among generations of Aboriginal and nonaboriginal women in Australia

Abstract

Background: Since the commencement of the European colonisation of Australia in 1788, the lives and worlds of Australian Aboriginal peoples have changed dramatically. Following separation from land, family, culture, and a rapid change in diet and lifestyle, Aboriginal peoples now encounter a range of health concerns, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, poorer mental health, and lower life expectancy, that did not exist prior to colonisation. Body image has previously been a White, middle class, female concern, with other populations such as Black and Indigenous populations, considered immune. In contemporary Western society, the sociocultural messages surrounding body ideals, particularly the thin female ideal are considered to be so pervasive that they are thought to have infiltrated minority cultures. Methodology: The present study examined the perceptions of body weight, shape, obesity, body image, body satisfaction and body ideals of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women (N=625) from rural and urban locations within NSW. The participants completed the quantitative “Body Image for Women” questionnaire that was designed specifically for this study in consultation with the University of Sydney Koori Centre using validated scales. The participants’ ages ranged from 11-90 years. Results: Results indicated similarities with other studies of Australian women. The Aboriginal women in the present study had poorer body image, greater body dissatisfaction, were more likely to engage in strategies to modify weight and increase muscles, compared to the non-Aboriginal women. The Aboriginal women also had an acceptance of larger body ideals, and were more likely to be underweight, or obese. BMI was shown to be the largest predictor of desired body weight, figure rating scale selections, and body appearance ratings in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women. The majority of women in the normal weight category desired weight loss, although the Aboriginal women in the normal weight category were more likely than their non-Aboriginal counterparts to desire weight gain. Discussion: A close inspection of the results reveals that any differences in the perceptions and attitudes of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women may not reflect differences borne of cultural background, but rather a difference in body weight, which in turn impacts on perceptions. Despite the fact that the present study may not indicate higher body esteem or more positive body image among Aboriginal women as has been previously suggested, the greater propensity toward obesity among Aboriginal women is worthy of concern. Considering the health implications of obesity and a greater acceptance of larger body sizes, the present findings suggest the need for urgent further investigation so these concerns can be addressed through the design and implementation of culturally appropriate and relevant health education and disease prevention programs.