Body image partially mediates the relationship between obesity and psychological distress

Objective: Body image is considered as a potential mediator of the relationship between obesity and psychological distress. Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred ten men and women in a residential weight control facility completed the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Binge Eating Scale. Results: For both men and women, body-image satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between degree of overweight and depression/self-esteem. Discussion: Sociodemographic factors that may influence the relationships among weight, body image, and depression/self-esteem are discussed.