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

Juan Gregorio Fernández-Bustos,Irene Gonzalez-Martí,Onofre Ricardo Contreras-Jordán,Álvaro Infantes-Paniagua

doi:10.3390/ijerph16173109

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.

Highlights

Nowadays, body image (BI) is considered to be a construct composed of different dimensions.The perceptual dimension refers to how one sees oneself and describes one’s body, while the affective dimension focuses on feelings and emotions that one feels about one’s appearance
The results show that sex and body max index (BMI) are key variables when determining body dissatisfaction (BD)
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (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

Summary

Introduction

The perceptual dimension refers to how one sees oneself and describes one’s body, while the affective dimension focuses on feelings and emotions that one feels about one’s appearance. The cognitive dimension consists of the assessment of thoughts about body appearance and the behavioural dimension evaluates behaviours resulting from perceptions, thoughts and feelings about body appearance and function [1]. BI has received significant attention from researchers, since it is considered one of the most influential factors affecting psychological wellbeing. Along this line, body dissatisfaction (BD) is associated with anxiety, depression [2], eating disorders [3] and muscular dysmorphia [4].

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