Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Students; Fashion trends; Calorie counting; Body image; Dietary behaviours; Socio-cultural influences

Introduction

In contemporary society, prevailing fashion trends often intersect with notions of beauty, body image, and dietary behaviours, influencing individuals, particularly students, in various ways [1-3]. The pursuit of an idealized body shape and size, often perpetuated by societal standards and media representations, can lead individuals to adopt practices such as calorie counting as a means of achieving or maintaining their desired appearance. However, the relationship between prevailing fashion trends, calorie counting, and students' attitudes and behaviours is multifaceted and complex.

This study aims to explore students' information, perspectives, and ways of behaving related to prevailing fashion trends and calorie counting. Understanding the factors that influence students' engagement with fashion trends and calorie counting is essential for addressing potential negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being [4]. The introduction of prevailing fashion trends, driven by the fashion industry, social media influencers, and celebrity culture, creates a cultural milieu where specific body ideals are promoted and valued. These ideals often prioritize thinness and a certain aesthetic that may not align with the diversity of body shapes and sizes present among students. Calorie counting, as a dietary practice, is frequently employed by individuals seeking to manage their weight or conform to societal beauty standards. While it can be perceived as a method of control and self-discipline, it may also lead to obsessive behaviours, disordered eating patterns, and negative psychological consequences.

Moreover, students' attitudes and behaviours related to prevailing fashion trends and calorie counting are influenced by a myriad of factors, including peer pressure, social comparison, cultural norms, and individual perceptions of body image. Social media platforms, in particular, play a significant role in shaping students' ideals of beauty and influencing their dietary habits and lifestyle choices. By investigating students' perspectives and behaviours regarding prevailing fashion trends and calorie counting, this study aims to shed light on the complexities of contemporary youth culture and its implications for health and well-being [5]. The findings will inform the development of targeted interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting positive body image, healthy dietary behaviours, and resilience against societal pressures among students.

Materials and Methods

This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate students' attitudes, behaviours, and perspectives related to prevailing fashion trends and calorie counting [6]. A diverse sample of students from various educational institutions, including high schools and universities, was recruited to participate in the study. Efforts were made to ensure representation across different demographics, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. Participants completed self-administered surveys designed to gather quantitative data on their engagement with prevailing fashion trends, attitudes towards body image, and frequency of calorie counting behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants to explore in-depth their experiences, motivations, and perceptions related to fashion trends and calorie counting. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for qualitative analysis.

Focus group discussions were organized to facilitate group interactions and explore shared experiences and perspectives among participants [7]. These discussions provided insights into social influences, peer dynamics, and cultural norms related to fashion trends and calorie counting. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to examine the prevalence of calorie counting behaviours, attitudes towards body image, and associations with engagement in fashion trends. Inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests or regression analysis, were employed to identify significant relationships and predictors of interest.

Thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts and focus group discussions to identify recurring themes, patterns, and narratives related to students' attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions regarding fashion trends and calorie counting. Coding was iterative and data-driven, with inter-coder reliability established to ensure rigor and consistency. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee prior to data collection. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the study. Potential limitations of the study, such as self-report biases, sample representativeness, and social desirability effects, were acknowledged [8]. Mitigation strategies, such as triangulation of data sources and reflexivity in data interpretation, were employed to enhance the trustworthiness and validity of the findings.

Results and Discussion

The study revealed multifaceted insights into students' attitudes, behaviours, and perspectives related to prevailing fashion trends and calorie counting. A significant proportion of students reported engaging in calorie counting behaviours, with variations observed based on gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Higher levels of engagement with prevailing fashion trends were associated with increased likelihood of calorie counting and dissatisfaction with body image among students. Gender differences were evident, with females more likely to engage in calorie counting and report higher levels of body dissatisfaction compared to males.

Social Influences: Peer pressure, social media, and celebrity culture were identified as influential factors shaping students' engagement with fashion trends and calorie counting. Participants expressed feelings of pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and perceived expectations from their social circles. Body Image Ideals: Participants described internalized ideals of beauty and thinness perpetuated by media representations and fashion industries. Many expressed dissatisfaction with their own bodies and reported using calorie counting as a means of achieving desired aesthetic goals [9]. Health Implications: Concerns were raised about the potential negative health consequences of excessive calorie counting and restrictive dietary behaviours. Participants acknowledged the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity for overall well-being but struggled to maintain a healthy relationship with food amidst societal pressures. The findings highlight the complex interplay between prevailing fashion trends, body image ideals, and dietary behaviours among students. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, fuelled by media portrayals and peer influences, contributes to a culture of calorie counting and dissatisfaction with body image among youth.

While calorie counting may initially be perceived as a means of control and self-discipline, it can lead to obsessive behaviours, disordered eating patterns, and negative psychological outcomes. The emphasis on external appearance over holistic health and well-being perpetuates unrealistic standards and undermines students' self-esteem and self-worth [10]. Moreover, the gender disparities observed in engagement with fashion trends and calorie counting underscore the importance of addressing sociocultural norms and gender stereotypes in promoting positive body image and healthy dietary behaviours among youth. The findings have implications for health promotion interventions and educational programs targeting body image issues and disordered eating behaviours among students. Efforts should focus on promoting body acceptance, fostering critical media literacy skills, and cultivating a healthy relationship with food and exercise. By addressing underlying sociocultural influences and providing support for positive body image development, healthcare practitioners, educators, and policymakers can empower students to resist unhealthy societal pressures and embrace a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the complex relationship between prevailing fashion trends, calorie counting behaviours, and students' attitudes and perceptions regarding body image. The findings underscore the pervasive influence of societal beauty standards, media representations, and peer pressures on youth culture, contributing to a culture of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours among students. The prevalence of calorie counting among students, particularly females, highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting positive body image and healthy dietary behaviours. Such interventions should address the underlying sociocultural factors that perpetuate unrealistic body ideals and provide support for developing resilience against societal pressures. Moving forward, efforts to promote positive body image and healthy lifestyles among students should prioritize holistic approaches that consider the interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and individuality, we can empower students to cultivate a healthy relationship with their bodies and prioritize well-being over external appearance. In summary, addressing the complex interplay of prevailing fashion trends, calorie counting behaviours, and students' attitudes towards body image requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders. By working together to challenge societal norms and promote body positivity, we can create a healthier and more inclusive environment for students to thrive.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

References

1. Jung SW, Park EJ, Kim JS, Lee TW, Ihm CG, et al. (2017) Renal tubular acidosis in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Electrolyte Blood Press 15: 17-22.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Kitterer D, Schwab M, Alscher MD, Braun N, Latus J, et al (2015) Drug-induced acid–base disorders. Pediatr Nephrol 30: 1407-1423.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Both T, Zietse R, Hoorn EJ, Hagen PMV, Dalm VA, et al. (2014) Everything you need to know about distal renal tubular acidosis in autoimmune disease. Rheumatol Int 34: 1037-1045.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Soares SBM, Silva LAWDM, Mrad FCDC, Simões E, Silva AC, et al. (2019) Distal renal tubular acidosis: genetic causes and management. World J Pediatr 15: 422-431.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Gómez J, Peña HG, Santos F, Coto E, Arango A, et al. (2016) Primary distal renal tubular acidosis: novel findings in patients studied by next-generation sequencing. Pediatr Res 79: 496-501.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Wagner CA, Finberg KE, Breton S, Marshansky V, Brown D, et al. (2004) Renal vacuolar H+-ATPase. Physiol Rev 84: 1263-1314.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Trepiccione F, Prosperi F, Motte LRDL, Hübner CA, Chambrey R, et al. (2017) New findings on the pathogenesis of distal renal tubular acidosis. Kidney Dis 3: 98-105.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Karet FE, Finberg KE, Nelson RD, Nayir A, Mocan H, et al. (1999) Mutations in the gene encoding B1 subunit of H+-ATPase cause renal tubular acidosis with sensorineural deafness. Nat Genet 21: 84-90.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Garcia SCL, Emma F, Walsh SB, Fila M, Hooman N, et al (2019) Treatment and long-term outcome in primary distal renal tubular acidosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 34: 981-991.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Batlle D, Haque SK (2012) Genetic causes and mechanisms of distal renal tubular acidosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 27: 3691-3704.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref