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.

Body Image, Perceived Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Body Mass Index and Age in Women

“…These results are inconsistent with other researches which showed significant linear relationship/effect of PA on body image and BMI (2,13,17,30). However, our research results are consistent with the results of Rote et al He showed that lifestyle PA was unrelated to women's body image (4). It seems that the motives of PA participation and quality of PA experiences (as indexed by PA enjoyment) may influence future achievements (31).…”

Physical activity and self-esteem: testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms

“… 24 Nevertheless, Rote et al found no relationship between lifestyle PA and BI in women. 60 Also, Kaminsky and Dewey found that higher levels of PA were not associated with a more positive BI. 41 It seems likely that some components of PA (ie, type, frequency, intensity, and time) can affect this relationship.…”

“… 41 It seems likely that some components of PA (ie, type, frequency, intensity, and time) can affect this relationship. 60 , 61 In this regard, it is possible that several types of PA are effective in changing self-perceptions, but there is most evidence to support the effects of aerobic exercise and weight training, with weight training having the greater effectiveness in the short term. 62…”

Body image in a representative sample of overweight, obese and normal weight active older women living in the community: associations with body composition, physical fitness and function

“…7,40 Likewise, body image was unrelated to physical activity behavior in a study of younger women and physical activity levels were associated with health and fitness concerns. 41 Studies of younger adults have observed that body dissatisfaction was not a primary motivator for obligatory exercise, rather exercise behavior and disordered eating was associated with negative affect such as anger or guilt, sociocultural influences (e.g., teasing about weight), internalization of the thin ideal, and other risk factors and motivators for obligatory exercise. 3,42,43 The present study represents the first to demonstrate that both current body image and dissatisfaction is associated with objectively measured physical function and physical fitness in older women, although older age moderates these associations.…”