Body Image Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Behaviors in Mothers during Lactation Period

The present study was conducted to examine the relationship of body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors among women during lactation period that is, maximum two years after last delivery. the basic aim of the study was to find out whether women in our culture experience body image dissatisfaction during lactating phase that leads towards engaging in disordered eating behaviors. multidimensional body self relations questionnaire scale (cash, 2002), disordered eating behavior scale (muazzam & khalid, 2011), and a detailed demographic sheet were used for data collection from 100 mothers through convenience and snowball sampling. results showed that appearance evaluation, overweight preoccupation, and appearance orientation (domains of body image) significantly predicted disordered eating behaviors. however, self-classified weight and body dissatisfaction domains had no predictive role in disordered eating. results further indicated that pre-pregnancy weight concerns were positively correlated with weight concerns after delivery, while, lactating period had no role in disordered eating behavior. the present study suggested that the trends of body image dissatisfaction existed in mothers of our culture that led them in engaging towards disordered eating behaviors. therefore, efforts would be needed by psychologists and nutrionists to plan healthy diet plans for mothers and reduce their concerns regarding body image as it might affect health of the child as well as those who is dependent on mother for feeding.