Results from the in-depth interviews indicate that the perception of the Ideal Body Image is predominantly shaped by two overarching domains: public perception and personal experience, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Within the domain of public perception, participants identified societal standards regarding the ideal female body size as a significant influence. Socio-economic factors and traditional cultural beliefs influence this perception. Specifically, the socio-economic aspects project notions of health, wealth, and lifestyle onto body size. Participants noted a prevailing belief within Kenyan society that larger body sizes are associated with affluence and a luxurious lifestyle. Conversely, smaller body sizes were often equated with poorer health and inferior socio-economic status. Notably, wealth is perceived as contributing to larger body sizes despite assumptions that wealth facilitates better access to healthcare. Additionally, traditional and cultural beliefs differ between urban and rural settings, with urban areas favouring smaller body sizes as more desirable. In comparison, rural communities perceive larger body sizes as indicative of prosperity within marriages and families.
These results could be further related to other findings that suggest exposure to external influences, such as media images, increases body dissatisfaction and may stimulate social comparison to an idealised standard of beauty (Tiggemann & McGill, 2004). Globalization and exposure to Western culture, as argued by Eddy et al. (2007), may be linked to urban preferred body image in our current analysis (Eddy et al., 2007). More recent findings from Balogun-Mwangi et al. (2023) submit that Kenyan women internalise Eurocentric beauty ideals to some degree (Balogun-Mwangi et al., 2023).
Similar to the results from Mugo (2016), conducted in Kenya’s rural environment, we found that big body size is attributed to being beautiful, healthy and attractive in the rural setting (Mugo, 2016). These results show the significant role the community plays in the execution of traditional customs. The interviews revealed that traditionally, a well-fed wife represents financial prosperity. A wife’s big body size also implies she is doing well in her new community. In summary, these results confirm that traditional and cultural beliefs are essential to addressing body size.
Personal experiences also play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of ideal body image, with participants expressing positive and negative narratives associated with their body size. However, the predominant theme across all body sizes was the prevalence of negative experiences, particularly on the social and physical levels. Smaller-bodied participants reported negative social experiences, while those with larger body sizes experienced both social stigma and physical discomfort. These negative experiences were perceived as exerting significant pressure on individuals to conform to societal norms regarding body size, leading many to aspire towards achieving a different idealised body size.
These experiences have a significant impact on Ideal Body Image. The women’s exposure to situations where they felt their body size was advantageous led to positive experiences with their body size. On the contrary, situations where it was felt that the body size was of disadvantage caused negative experiences with their body size, which may indicate body dissatisfaction (Cash & Fleming, 2002). The negative experiences on a social level stand out as the women report pressure and expectations by their environment. This has also been found in the study of Tuoyire et al. (2018), where the participants were confronted with societal expectations towards their body size.
The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of Ideal Body Image formation, influenced by complex interactions between public perception, personal experience, socio-economic factors, and cultural beliefs. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuanced dynamics shaping body image ideals within the Kenyan context, highlighting the need for interventions that address both external societal pressures and individual experiences to promote healthier and more inclusive body image standards.
The role of socio-economic factors in the perception of body size among Kenyan women
The results highlighted that health, wealth, and education are pivotal factors influencing the perception of the ideal body image. Participants expressed concerns that individuals with smaller body sizes might be perceived as undernourished, particularly in a context marked by high rates of poverty and food insecurity, where such perceptions may seem justified (von Grebmer et al., 2022). Conversely, there is a widespread awareness among women that larger body sizes carry more significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes. This perception aligns with previous studies wherein women regarded larger body sizes as less healthy (Duda et al., 2007; Holdsworth et al., 2004).
A notable finding from the interviews is the strong association between wealth and body size. Larger body sizes are often construed as indicators of status and financial power. This corroborates findings from earlier research suggesting that body size can be linked to an individual's socio-economic status. Additionally, participants noted that wealth facilitates access to a diet rich in unhealthy, high-priced fast food, which contributes to weight gain. The lifestyle associated with wealth, characterised by reduced physical activity and consumption of processed foods and fast food, further reinforces this connection between wealth and body size. This observation resonates with the findings of Mbochi et al. (2012), who found a positive correlation between increased expenditure and higher body mass index (BMI) (Mbochi et al., 2012).
The interviews highlight the intricate interplay between health, wealth, and education in shaping body image perceptions. While concerns about the health implications of larger body sizes are prevalent, the association between wealth and body size underscores the socio-economic factors influencing body image ideals.
Limitations and Strengths of the Study
While the study provided valuable insights, it also faced several limitations to consider when interpreting the findings. Firstly, the study's findings cannot be generalised due to the subjective nature of participant opinions and perceptions. Furthermore, analysis regarding varying body sizes and educational backgrounds was limited due to the sample selection process. Additionally, assumptions about overweight distribution or patterns could not be confirmed, further limiting the scope of the study. Language criteria for inclusion may have excluded some potential participants, introducing cultural barriers. Lastly, personal bias, including social desirability bias, may have influenced participant responses, impacting the reliability of the findings.
Despite these limitations, the study also had several strengths that contributed to its value. It provided valuable insights into the personal views of a vulnerable group within Kenyan society, shedding light on cultural aspects and traditional beliefs influencing women's self-perception and behaviour. The exploratory approach adopted in the study was one of the first to cover the topic among Nairobi's female population, paving the way for further research in this area. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of considering cultural sensitivities in policymaking for disease prevention, emphasising the need for tailored interventions for the mentioned vulnerable group.
While the study faced certain limitations, its strengths contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding body image perceptions and cultural influences among women in Nairobi.