Association between Nutrition Education and Body Image Distortion in Korean Adolescents

Abstract Background: Body image distortion has become a significant public health concern amid the global rise of appearance-oriented evaluation. Korean adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to high social media exposure and a culturally entrenched preference for thinness, alongside the spread of extreme subcultures such as “pro-ana” and “bone-thin.” Nutrition education may contribute to reducing body image distortion by improving health literacy and promoting a health-oriented perspective. However, evidence on its effectiveness remains limited. This study examines the association between nutrition education and body image distortion among Korean adolescents to inform future school-based health education. Methods: Using data from the 2022–2023 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, we analyzed the relationship between nutrition education and body image distortion in 23,757 high school students. Body image distortion was assessed by combining self-perceived body shape with the actual body mass index, and gender-specific effects were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Male students who did not receive nutrition education were more likely to experience body image distortion in the form of overestimation (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.33). Furthermore, male students with normal body mass index tended to overestimate their weight and perceive themselves as overweight. Conversely, those with overweight body mass index tended to underestimate their weight and perceive themselves as underweight. Conclusions: A significant association exists between a lack of nutrition education and body image distortion among male students, emphasizing the need for tailored programs. Based on previous studies, this study suggests approaches focusing on body image awareness and self-esteem for female students.