Objectives: This study investigated the impact of body image on mental health among adults receiving treatment at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Barnawa, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was employed, utilizing a purposive sample of 60 patients (20 males, 40 females) with diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders. Data were collected using standardized instruments: Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results: Analysis using simple and multiple linear regression, alongside univariate ANOVA, yielded key findings. Body image dissatisfaction was a strong and significant predictor (β = .52, p < .001), accounting for 27% of the variance in mental health disorder scores. Furthermore, no statistically significant gender differences were found in these relationships.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Body Image directly predict mental health disorders in this clinical population, body image dissatisfaction are a critical and significant factor. The findings underscore the need for clinicians at FNPH and similar settings to integrate body image interventions into mental health treatment plans and develop public health strategies focused on promoting positive body image, particularly within Nigeria’s unique socio-cultural context.