Investigating the role of non-homemade food quality as a mediating factor in the effect of social pressure on body mass index

Document Type : Original Research

Author

PhD student in Economic Sociology and Development, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

In today's world, social pressure and expectations of people around us have affected our lifestyle and nutritional patterns, which in turn affect our body mass index. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the role of non-home food quality as a mediating factor in the effect of social pressure on body mass index. In this regard, the theories of Coleman and Higgs were used. The research method was a survey and the statistical population included citizens over 15 years of age in Tabriz, 394 of whom were selected for the study using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software. The results of the study showed that the average body mass index in men was 24.66 and in women was 23.76. Based on bivariate correlation analyses, a significant relationship was observed between the quality of non-home foods (with a correlation coefficient of -0.183), marital status (in favor of married individuals), and gender (in favor of men) with body mass index. However, the direct relationship between social pressure and body mass index was not significant. However, the results of the structural equation model showed that social pressure indirectly and through the quality of non-home foods, has a significant effect on increasing body mass index. In total, the variables examined were able to explain 14% of the changes in body mass index.

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References

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Journal of Sociology of Lifestyle (SLS)
Volume 9, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 1-15

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 June 2022
  • Revise Date: 23 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 June 2024

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