Body checking (BC) behaviors include any behaviors intended
to gain information about one’s size, weight, shape, and
appearance. Most individuals engage in a variety of BC behaviors,
such as weighing themselves; comparing their bodies
with those of celebrities, friends, and strangers; asking others
for reassurance about body size, shape, weight, or overall
appearance; and examining themselves in mirrors and other
reflective surfaces. Body-dissatisfied individuals usually focus
on and critically assess individual, disliked parts of the body or
face. Instances of BC are typically quite brief (2 min or less) and
result in increased negative affect, critical self-statements, and
decreased body image satisfaction. Repeated BC may also
increase body focus and appearance investment, increasing
the likelihood of future BC.
Some BC involves physical manipulation or measurement,
such as weighing oneself and measuring body parts through
objective and subjective means. In addition to weighing,