Age, puberty, body dissatisfaction, and physical activity decline in adolescents. Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (KiGGS)

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) shows a marked decline during adolescence. Some studies have pointed to pubertal status or timing as possible PA determinants in this age group. Furthermore, it was supposed that the impact of pubertal changes on PA might be mediated by psychological variables like body dissatisfaction (BDS).MethodsThe 11- to 17-year-old subsample of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (KiGGS) was used (n = 6 813; 51.3% male, response rate = 66.6%). Through sex-specific sequential multinomial logistic regressions we analysed the univariate and independent associations of chronological age, absolute pubertal status, relative pubertal timing, and BDS with the frequency of PA.ResultsChronological age showed a significantly negative association with PA in both sexes, independent of puberty. The odds of inactivity in contrast to nearly daily PA increased about 70% in boys and 35% in girls for each year of age, respectively. Adjusted for age and other possible confounders, inactivity was significantly less likely for boys in late pubertal stages (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09-0.78). The risk of inactivity was more than doubled in boys maturing earlier than peers in terms of relative pubertal timing (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.36-3.56). No clear significant puberty effects were found in girls, but the inactivity was more likely for those with irregular menstruation (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06-2.75). BDS also contributed to the prediction of PA in both sexes. It partially mediated puberty effects in boys but not in girls.ConclusionsOverall, chronological age was a far more important predictor of PA in German adolescents than absolute pubertal status or relative pubertal timing. Further possible explanatory variables like sociocultural influences, social support or increasing time requirements for education should be analysed in conjunction with chronological age in future studies.

Imagem corporal, estado nutricional, força de resistência abdominal e aptidão cardiorrespiratória de crianças e adolescentes praticantes de esportes

“…Thus, the association between body image dissatisfaction and low physical activity levels is well established in both sexes (31) ; however, no study on the association between physical fitness and body image was found for any age.…”

Psychosocial Mediators of the Fitness–Depression Relationship Within Adolescents

“…Whereas body dissatisfaction occurs for both sexes, it is more prevalent (and salient) for girls than boys (Finne et al, 2011;Sujoldzić & De Lucia, 2007). The combination of pubertal changes, increased self-introspection, and more interest in romantic relationships can contribute to adolescents being critical of their physical appearance and dissatisfied with their body size and shape (Ferreiro, et al 2012).…”

“…Given increases in obesity and depression among adolescents, combined with declines in fitness levels (Dyrstad et al, 2012;Finne et al, 2011;Grunbaum et al, 2004;Kimm et al, 2000;Olds et al, 2006;Tomkinson et al, 2003;Tomkinson et al, 2007), there is a need to understand how these three conditions interrelate and develop from childhood through adolescence. Moreover, we did not examine personality factors, such as neuroticism, or underlying biomarkers (e.g., changes in neurotransmitters) related to depression which may provide further explanations or impact the results.…”

“…Based on previous research (e.g., Monshower et al, 2012;Niven et al, 2009;Ryan, 2008), we hypothesized that the three proposed variables --body satisfaction, social physique anxiety, and physical activity self-efficacy --would mediate fully the direct effects of CRF on depressive symptomatology. Because sex differences do exist across the proposed variables (e.g., Finne et al, 2011;, the mediational effects were tested separately for boys and girls, though no specific hypotheses were made.…”

“…Over the past two decades there have been consistent declines in the physical activity and aerobic fitness levels of adolescents (Finne, Bucksch, Lampert, & Kolip, 2011;Grunbaum et al, 2004;Kimm et al, 2000;Tomkinson et al, 2003). A meta-analysis of 55 studies of children and adolescents (ages 9-19 years) from developed countries (e.g., U.S.) revealed that their performance on a 20-meter shuttle run test, used to measure CRF, declined by 2% per year over a 20-year period (Tomkinson et al, 2003).…”