The association between vegetarianism and anthropometric measurements, body self perception, and obesity prejudice in university students

In recent years, vegetarian diets and their effects on health have gained attention. While vegetarianism is a movement and a philosophy, it is also a preferred dietary style for managing obesity. Weight gain is influenced by various behavioral and social factors. The presence of a low body image perception and obesity prejudice has been shown to be among these factors. In this study, the relationship between vegetarian diets and anthropometric measurements, body self-perception, and obesity prejudice in university students were planned and evaluated. The research was conducted with 501 university students (n, male: 51 and female: 450) between September 2020 and November 2021. The students' heights and weights were obtained based on self-reporting. The Obesity Prejudice Scale (GAMS-27 Obesity Prejudice Scale) and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Questionnaire (MBSRQ) were applied respectively to evaluate obesity prejudice and body self-perception. Female vegetarian students were found to be more common than male vegetarian students (11.9% and 2.3%, respectively). Among the types of vegetarian diets, the most commonly preferred type is veganism (13.7 % of male students and 5.8 % of female students). The average body weight was found to be 75.9 ± 13.33 kg for male students and 58.1 ± 9.99 kg for female students, while the average height was determined to be 1.77±0.06 m for male students and 1.64 ± 0.05 m for female students. The mean BMI values were found to be 24.1 ± 3.96 kg/m2 for male students and 21.5 ± 3.31 kg/m2 for female students The anthropometric measurements of students were not significantly different based on their omnivorous or vegetarian status (p>0.05). According to the values of the Obesity Prejudice Scale, 66.5% of the students were found to be inclined toward prejudice (7.6% were male and 58.9% were female), and 11.5% were prejudiced against obesity (0.8% were male and 10.7% were female). There was no significant relationship between body weight and BMI values and prejudice against obesity in both genders (p>0.05). It was found that vegetarian students were more inclined toward prejudice (p<0.05). It has been determined that students who have been vegetarian for more than 3 years were more inclined toward prejudice based on their dietary preferences (p<0.05). Lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan students had higher Obesity Prejudice Scale scores compared to omnivorous students (p<0.05). The the Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Questionnaire mean score of male students was significantly lower than that of female students (p<0.05). In male students, there was a significant negative correlation between body weight and BMI and the mean MBSRQ score, while in female students, there was a significant negative correlation between body weight, BMI values, waist circumference, and the mean MBSRQ score (p<0.05). The mean of the MBSRQ score was found to be significantly lower in vegetarian students compared to omnivorous students (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between mean of the MBSRQ score and the duration of and type of vegetarian diet (p>0.05). The results of this study have found that among students who prefer a vegetarian diet, anthropometric measurements and body self-perception are lower, while prejudice against obesity is higher. It can be assumed that the prejudice against obesity increases along with choosing a vegetarian diet and progressing towards veganism. Vegetarian diet can be a healthy diet for weight management when alternative foods are added to replace eliminated foods. However, it should not be forgotten that if this dietary style is not controlled, it can lead to health problems and psychosocial disorders as it leans towards veganism.