Body Image and Physical Activity and the Diet of Polish Youth Aged 15–18

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the biological, psychological, and social development of humans. During this period, perceptions of one’s body and behaviors are formed. The aim of the study was to investigate body image (BI) and its relationship with physical activity and selected eating habits in adolescents. The study included 312 people (102 girls (32.69%) and 210 boys (67.31%)) aged 15–18. As many as 40% of the girls and 27% of the boys reported feeling dissatisfied with their body mass. BI was negatively perceived by the adolescents, with girls being more critical than boys. Lack of acceptance of one’s body mass negatively affects overall BI in girls, and only the functional aspects in boys. Negative perception of body mass in girls does not motivate them to increase physical activity but rather causes them to adopt dietary restrictions.

Evidence of Validity, Invariance, and Reliability of the Body Image Dimension in the Body Investment Scale: A Study in Spanish University Students

“…The construct of body image has been shown to be a key mediator between physical activity and quality of life [16]. Moreover, an adverse perception of one's body is indicative of reduced physical activity [17], poor dietary habits [18,19], and correlates with engaging in unsafe sexual practices [20] and smoking [21,22], among other factors. Consequently, addressing negative body image becomes imperative for health promotion efforts.…”