A groundbreaking international study led by Flinders University reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation and eating behaviors among young women from Middle Eastern and Western societies. The study surveyed more than 850 women aged 18–25 from Australia and Lebanon, aiming to explore how maternal and sibling influences contribute to body image dissatisfaction, body appreciation, and disordered eating patterns. Lead author Melanie Deek, a registered psychologist and PhD candidate, notes that while both cultural groups reported similar levels of body dissatisfaction, women from Middle Eastern backgrounds exhibited higher levels of body appreciation than their Western peers. “These results highlight the protective role of culture and family support in fostering a positive body image,” said Deek. “Middle-Eastern women, in particular, showed stronger body appreciation, which may reflect cultural values and close family relationships that promote self-acceptance.