Body Image Perception and Nutritional Status Among Schoolchildren in Ghana: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Overweight and obesity among schoolchildren continue to increase globally and have been associated with psychological issues like body image perception. This study sought to assess how schoolchildren in the Greater Accra Region perceived their body image and whether this was associated with their nutritional status. Methods This cross‐sectional study involved 219 schoolchildren aged 9–15 years in two districts in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Demographic data, body image perception (Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale FRS), and anthropometric and body composition measures were collected. Logistic regression was used to determine the possible association between nutritional status indicators and body image perception. Results The mean age of schoolchildren was 11.6 ± 1.8 years with more than half (53.9%) being females. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 21% by body mass index (BMI)‐age z ‐scores, 9.8% by waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and 12.3% by body fat percentage (BFP). More than one‐third (37%) of the schoolchildren had an inaccurate body image perception. Children with inaccurate body image perception had significantly lower odds of healthy WHR (AOR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11–0.77, p = 0.013), healthy BFP (AOR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03–0.24, p < 0.001), and normal weight status (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01–0.07, p < 0.001) compared with children with accurate body image perception. Conclusion A significant association was observed between schoolchildren’s body image perception and nutritional status. School‐based interventions should integrate nutrition education with psychosocial support to improve body image perception and reduce obesity risk.