【Objective】The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between body image distortion and body mass index (BMI) and food intake in young and middle-aged Japanese women.

【Method】The participants of this study were 111 working Japanese women aged 20-40 years. The Japanese Body Silhouette Scale type-I was used to measure body image. The BMI equivalence value displayed in the silhouette figure was compared to the actual BMI to evaluate the distortion.

【Result】There was a significant negative correlation between the level of body image distortion and BMI (r=−0.400). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, body image was overestimated when the BMI was 20.7 kg/m² or less (AUC＝0.661). High levels of body image distortion group showed significantly higher values for Western confectionery intake, and Fried food intake was significantly lower than lower levels group. Furthermore, the percentage of the participants who experienced dieting behaviors in their teens was significantly higher in the group with high levels of body image distortion than those with lower body image distortion.

【Conclusion】These characteristics may be helpful in identifying a person with high levels of body image distortion when providing nutritional care to young and middle-aged women.