The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of body image perception (BI) and its association with sociodemographic factors, nutritional status and sexual maturation in male students (7 to 17 years of age) from Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil. The study evaluated 1521 students, and analyzed age, school grade, socioeconomic status, BMI, sexual maturation and body image perception. Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were used. The prevalence of BI dissatisfaction was 74.7%, and students who wanted to reduce their silhouette aged 7 to 13 years (OR = 2.81, CI 95% 1.48 to 5.31) and showed a normal nutritional status (OR = 0.14, CI 95% = 0.10 to 0.20). Those who wanted to have a larger silhouette aged between 7 and 10 years (OR = 1.86, CI 95% 1.15 to 3.02), were at high school (OR = 0.50, CI 95% = 0.30 - 0.85) and showed a normal nutritional status (OR = 2.17, CI 95% 1.45 to 3.27). BI dissatisfaction was associated with age, grade and nutritional status.
Body Image; Nutritional status; Puberty
