Students' body image perceptions after completion of an anatomy course

Abstract

A descriptive observational study was conducted among undergraduate medical students to determine whether the knowledge of Anatomy influenced their body image perceptions. The perception of some students regarding their body image and appearance was different after the course, and also their view of other peoples' bodies. The findings of the study support the literature that males are more concerned with muscularity and developing muscles, whereas females are more preoccupied with thinness. The study showed that a course in Anatomy might have an influence on students' perceptions of their own and other peoples' physical appearance.