Body image dissatisfaction and weight management in young South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) men

Applications are invited for a 3-year self-funded PhD Studentship

Overweight and obesity are major public health challenges. Men are at a higher risk of overweight and obesity than women. [1] The proportion of men in the UK who are overweight or obese aged 16-24 and 25-34 years is 41% and 54% respectively. [1] In addition, compared to white Europeans, people of South Asian ethnicity living in England tend to have a higher percentage of body fat at the same BMI and have higher waist–to-hip ratios compared to men from other ethnic groups.[2]

Body image dissatisfaction is a growing issue amongst young migrant and British-born South Asian men living in the UK. Past research has shown non-white men reporting higher levels of body dissatisfaction [3] influenced by acculturation [4] and perceptions of masculinity. [5] However, existing research has not explored the views of South Asian men and how social, cultural, and religious values contribute to body image dissatisfaction potentially impacting upon one’s access (even acceptability) in social groups.

The aim of this study is to explore body image dissatisfaction with South Asian men investigating the role of cultural-religious values, masculinity and social networks in shaping identity as well as health-seeking behaviour with regard to weight management.


It would be desirable if potential applicants spoke Punjabi, Urdu, Mirpuri, Sylheti, or any other language spoken in South Asian communities living in the UK.