Associations Between Lifestyle Physical Activity and Body Image Attitudes Among Women

Abstract

Structured exercise can improve body image among women. Less is known if these associations extend to lifestyle physical activity—all activities of daily living with a full range of intensity. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationships between lifestyle physical activity and body image in undergraduate women (n = 120; 18–23 years) during the spring of 2010 and 2011. One week of lifestyle physical activity was measured objectively (accelerometer) and subjectively (7-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire). Attitudinal dimensions of body image were assessed using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. Physical activity was unrelated to appearance-related dimensions of women's body image. Objectively-measured vigorous physical activity was positively related to investment in fitness and health (p < .005), while moderate physical activity was related to investment in fitness (p < .005). Light physical activity was unrelated to women's body image. A greater amount of self-reported vigorous physical activity was related to greater investment in fitness (p < .005). Results suggested that unlike structured exercise, lifestyle physical activity was generally unrelated to women's body image. The act of exercising may be more important than accumulation of lifestyle physical activity when considering women's body image.