An aesthetic analysis by means of assessment of female morphology in university students from Andalusia (Spain)

Abstract

This study analyzed the actual and desired morpho-aesthetic aspects of young female university students from Andalusia (Spain). To achieve this goal, 400 young female students from 8 Universities in Andalusia were enrolled on the study. Initially they all underwent kinanthropometric assessment to determine Body Mass Index and percentage fat mass. They fi lled out an anonymous questionnaire including 20 items referring to morpho-aesthetic aspects. Mean BMI was 21.45 ± 1.68 Kg/m2 and percentage fat mass for the group was 25.13 ± 2.46 % of total body mass. Additionally, 77% of participants accepted their body image whereas only 11% of them expressed that they would be happier if they lost weight. Notwithstanding, it should be mentioned that physical activity was considered the best weight loss strategy. Finally, we concluded that young female university students from Andalusia accept their body image because, among other reasons, it is very similar to the morphological type valued by our society.