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Background:Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, North Americans remain insufficiently inactive. Consequently, determining what motivates individuals to engage in physical activity becomes increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the frequency of negative appearance-related commentary and positive appearance-related commentary could predict physical activity behavior.Methods:Participants were young adult women (N = 192) who completed a series of questionnaires to assess the frequency of appearance-related commentary they received and their physical activity behavior.Results:A hierarchical regression analysis indicated the overall regression was significant, F (4,187) = 4.73, P < .001, R2adj = .07, ΔR2 = .07), with positive weight/shape appearance-related commentary (β = 470.27, P < .001) significantly predicting physical activity behavior, while controlling for body mass index.Conclusions:Providing positive reinforcement via positive weight/shape compliments may be beneficial to motivate physical activity participation.

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Background: To date, most research surrounding body image coping has focused on adolescent and young adult women. However, with age-related changes to body appearance and function, it is important to understand how women aged 55+ cope in uncomfortable body image contexts. Objectives: The present study explored how women aged 55+ coped with body-related situations that elicited body image discomfort. Methods: Ten women from a seniors' exercise program were interviewed about uncomfortable body image situations to explore their coping strategies. Thematic analysis was used to find themes amongst the data and interpret women's experiences with regards to body-related distress and coping. Results: Women discussed coping strategies that included: enhancing or hiding physical appearance; reassuring self-talk; social comparisons to others; and a desire to change their mindset to relieve body-related distress. Conclusions: Although women aged 55+ discussed some unique strategies, there were several similarities with adolescent and young adult women. Thus, body image coping strategies appear to transcend the lifespan.