Do Body Mass Index classes define our self-perceptions? Analysis of global, multidimensional, and physical self-esteem in women

Considered as an indicator of good mental health contributing to positive behaviors, self-esteem is impacted by body perception. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of low self-esteem, particularly among women. Age also plays a protective role in both the healthy population and those living with obesity. Since the relationship between self-esteem and BMI does not appear to evolve linearly, the aims of this study were (1) to analyze the link between BMI classes and global, multidimensional, and physical self-esteem, and (2) to identify a potential moderating effect of age. Global, multidimensional, and physical self-esteem were assessed using French versions of RSE, MSE and PSPP scales respectively in 454 women aged 18 to 75 stratified into five BMI groups: healthy weight, overweight, obesity class I, II and III. Global, multidimensional, and physical self-esteem appear to be related to BMI classes. Healthy weight women had significantly higher emotional, professional, physical domains and subdomains self-esteem scores than those in obesity class I, II or III. "Tipping points" associated with reaching a BMI threshold at which scores of self-esteem stabilize have been highlighted. These appeared at obesity class I and II, respectively, for the emotional and physical domains of self-esteem, and at overweight and obesity class II, respectively, for the physical strength and attractive body physical subdomains. Results also revealed a protective moderating effect of age on the relationship between BMI and physical self-esteem, and its subdomains. Obesity intervention programs should consider self-perceptions.