There are few studies carried out with university students in the health area that relate
the variables body image, generalized anxiety disorder, food consumption and body mass index.
Thus, the present study sought to evaluate the association between body image perception and
food consumption, nutritional status and generalized anxiety disorder in health students at the
Federal University of Pará. A crosssectional study was carried out with a nonprobabilistic
convenience sample of 97 students, of both biological sexes, aged 19 years or older, enrolled in
undergraduate courses in the area of health at the aforementioned university. Data collection
took place by an online protocol and the questions addressed social, economic, demographic,
lifestyle, academics, food consumption, generalized anxiety disorder, and body image
perception. Through multiple linear regression analysis, it was possible to verify, in the final
model, that there was a relationship between body image and the variables GAD7 (Generalized
Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) scores (p<0.000), body mass index (p<0.000) and biological
sex (p=0.017). That is, these three variables predict or are associated with body image (adjusted
R2 = 0.508). Of the food consumption variables addressed in the study, the only one that was
related to body image was the consumption of ultraprocessed foods, where more than a third
of students dissatisfied with their body image reported having consumed 5 or more groups of
ultraprocessed foods the day before to participation in the research. This amount is higher than
that observed among those satisfied with their body image. In addition, generalized anxiety
disorder differed statistically between body image categories (p<0.000). Among the
dissatisfied, the percentage of individuals with moderate and severe degrees of anxiety was
higher compared to those satisfied with their body image. More than half of the evaluated
students are dissatisfied with their body image. It was also possible to verify that there was a
higher percentage of overweight students among dissatisfied compared to satisfied ones. The
data presented here are worrying and show the “top of an iceberg” that needs attention. The
realization of new studies that map the existing panorama and outline strategies in the search
for solutions is fundamental.
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