Physical Activity and Body Image Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Adolescence represents a vulnerable phase of life for psychological health. The practice of physical activity (PA) appears to have a positive influence on adolescents, increasing self-esteem and producing a more positive body image. A systematic review of published articles over the past 10 years until June 2022 was conducted according to the PRISMA statement employing the electronic databases MEDLINE and Web of Science (639 records) to summarize the literature on the relationship between body image dissatisfaction (BID) and assessed by figural scales and practice of structured and unstructured PA in adolescents (10–18 years), taking into account BMI and/or weight status. All articles were independently reviewed using inclusion/exclusion criteria, retrieved data, and assessed quality with the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. The main finding of interest that emerged from most of the 28 included studies is the negative association between BID and PA during adolescence: as PA increases, BID decreases. However, this updated systematic review also identified some flaws in the existing literature, highlighting the need for high-quality adolescent research using validated figural scales and objective PA assessments. In conclusion, the reviewed studies showed that PA involvement can be efficacious in protecting from body image perception concerns and enhancing body satisfaction. Future interventions should promote structured and unstructured PA during adolescence to improve self-esteem and body image.

The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…It is well known from the literature that females are generally more dissatisfied than males and are more likely to prefer thinner silhouettes than men [ 5 , 53 , 54 ]. Although the importance of sports participation in improving the perception and acceptance of one’s body image has been demonstrated [ 55 ], it is not surprising that even among athletes, these gender disparities can be observed [ 7 , 56 ]. From childhood, the female gender seems to be more aware of the effect of body weight on BI than males, resulting in greater dissatisfaction with their appearance than their male peers [ 57 , 58 ].…”

“…However, comparisons between athletes and non-sports individuals were generally absent in the revised articles, except for the study by de Medeiros Eufrásio et al [ 34 ], which confirms a lower dissatisfaction with BI in athletes than in sedentary people. In general, a positive influence of physical activity on psychological characteristics (such as self-esteem) related to positive BI has been reported in the literature [ 55 , 60 ]. However, this pattern could depend on the type of sport practiced, reaching higher values of dissatisfaction in the athletes of aesthetic/lean sports than non-aesthetic/non-lean sports [ 61 , 62 ].…”

Dynamic mechanisms of exercise to improve body satisfaction: Perceived or actual fat loss?

“…Accordingly, interventions designed to improve body satisfaction have the potential to significantly enhance the physical and mental health of the general population. Exercise appears to be a cost‐effective and feasible means by which to improve body satisfaction (Gualdi‐Russo et al, 2022). Several investigations support the notion that long‐term aerobic training (AT) or strength training (ST) can improve body satisfaction (Santa‐Barbara et al, 2017; Srismith et al, 2020).…”

“…Gualdi‐Russo et al (2022) reviewed differences between women and men in their experiences of body image and exercise. The ideal man's body type was muscular, while the ideal women's body type was slender and toned (Ata et al, 2007; Smolak, 2004).…”

“…Therefore, we sought to explore the effects of AT and ST interventions to improve individuals' body satisfaction while balancing exercise volume. Gualdi-Russo et al (2022) reviewed differences between women and men in their experiences of body image and exercise. The ideal man's body type was muscular, while the ideal women's body type was slender and toned (Ata et al, 2007;Smolak, 2004).…”