Eating disorders are complex, caused by a multitude of factors, she notes. "However, religion plays a significant role in the way one views the body in general and can play an important role in shaping a woman's feelings about herself."

Spangler's theory is that LDS theology about the body influences women's attitudes. Like Mormonism, other Christian religions believe that the body is eternal, but Mormon doctrine, she says, is unique in saying the body is also "progressive," becoming "perfected" forever. For Mormons, she says, the creation story about Adam and Eve sees Eve not as a temptress but as a facilitator, who helped Adam and humanity enter into the mortality they needed to progress toward godliness.

Across many religions, there's a long history of unease about the body, Spangler notes, and a long line of religious people who have tried to "overcome" their bodies in the pursuit of piety, through ascetic practices. The traditional Adam and Eve story, she says, can lead to the belief that the body is sinful and that control over the body is virtuous.

And that belief, she argues, has been incorporated in the modern secular quest for a "better" body, even if people don't realize it. Theology isn't the only influence on body image, says Spangler, "but I don't think you can ignore the legacy."

In Mormon doctrine, though, the body is not inherently a "vexation for the spirit," and it doesn't need to be tamed, she argues. To those who might argue that LDS rules regarding dress (longer shorts, higher necklines, etc.), tattoos, body piercings, multiple earrings and sex are all about taming the body, Spangler disagrees.

It's about modesty, not shame or control, she says. "The body is a gift, and modesty is practiced out of respect for this gift."

So, if you're content with your body, do you therefore tend to get lax about weight gain and exercise?

"The findings are paradoxically the other way," says Spangler. "Religion aside, one of the things that is starting to emerge is that the more respect people have for their bodies, the better they treat it. The more likely they are to eat well, take vitamins, use a seat belt, exercise, not smoke. The more at peace they are with their bodies. And the less they're preoccupied with body transformation."

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E-mail: jarvik@desnews.com