Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescents: Differences by Sex, BMI and Type and Organisation of Physical Activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in body dissatisfaction (BD) of male and female adolescents by body max index (BMI) and the quantity, type and organisation of physical activity (PA). To do so, 652 adolescents aged 12–17 years participated in a cross-sectional study. The cognitive-affective component of BD was assessed with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the perceptual component with Gardner’s scale for the assessment of, body image (BI). PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the item 1 from the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). The results show that sex and BMI are key variables when determining BD. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was moderately associated with a greater body satisfaction in males but no association was found between BD and the participation and organisation of PA. Moreover, the results suggest that participants in aesthetic/lean PA are at a higher risk of suffering from BD than participants in other PA types. These findings provide useful information for the design of programmes promoting healthy lifestyles, weight control and BI concern during the school period.

Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness

“…This confirms the positive effects of physical activity at a physical and mental level and on relatedness [19], and it is more evident during the adolescent stage [20]. Other studies carried out with self-concept and physical activity, related engagement in physical activity with improved physical self-concept in a more binding way, while failing to find relationships with other dimensions of self-concept [21,22].…”

“…In males, however, only aesthetic/lean physical activity participants were more concerned about their body dissatisfaction. Apart from that, non-aesthetic/lean adolescent PA participants were the only group that showed a desire to be bigger [22]. This results could be explained by most traditional approach that is focused on the pressures that the characteristics of each type of sport put on their participants, which somehow determines their success [48].…”

“…Previous studies [22,48] have pointed out that differences between male and female participants were found for the different types of sports. In females, body dissatisfaction concerns were significantly lower among those who practiced non-aesthetic/non-lean and non-aesthetic/lean sports as compared to those who practiced aesthetic/lean physical activity or were inactive, in terms of the desire to lose weight and the discrepancy [22]. In males, however, only aesthetic/lean physical activity participants were more concerned about their body dissatisfaction.…”

“…However, previously studies have showed a strong relationship between body satisfaction and self-concept in adolescents [3]. Body satisfaction is a key element of the self-concept configuration, especially in adolescence [22]. Older age, male gender and lower BMI were associated with better body esteem in adolescents [23].…”

“…Besides the mental health-related aspects, BD is prospectively related to unhealthy weight control behaviors, binge eating and lower levels of physical activity according to a 5-years longitudinal study [24]. On the other hand, high levels of body satisfaction can have protective effects, such as better eating habits, healthier levels of PA and a lower probability of suffering from overweight in late adolescence and early young adult ages [22,24]. According to the association between body dissatisfaction and physical activity, a worse body satisfaction has been related with lower physical activity levels [6].…”