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

Abstract

Concerns about body image may affect athletes, mainly because of specific sports models to achieve successful performance. This systematic review reports on body image dissatisfaction (BID) in athletes following the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. From a total of 887 articles identified through a systematic search of electronic databases, 15 articles conducted on 2412 athletes were included in this review. To be eligible for inclusion, the studies must have been published in the last ten years up until September 2022 and analyze body image perception using body figure drawings and anthropometric profiles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. These studies were compared through thematic analysis of BID to develop four general issues, including gender, sport type and level, and weight status. According to the meta-analyses, the significant medium and small effect sizes found for gender and weight status, respectively, indicated that male athletes had lower BID than females and that, among the latter, normal-weight athletes had a higher BID than underweight ones. The implications and limitations of the included studies are discussed extensively in this review, highlighting the need for further research on BID examined both in the social and the sports contexts. Sports activity should be carried out following healthy lifestyles, and promoting positive BI.

Body Image, Social Physique Anxiety Levels and Self-Esteem among Adults Participating in Physical Activity Programs

“…On the contrary, men were more satisfied with their appearance compared to women. Similar results have been reported in the study of Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo [ 44 ]. For boys and men, the social norms are not so strict.…”

Associations between anthropometry, body composition, and body image in athletes: a systematic review

“…One major challenge in assessing the effect of sport type is the varied categorizations of sport across studies and reviews. For example, classifications can be made based on aesthetic vs. nonaesthetic sports ( Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo, 2023 ), while others consider more granular categorizations, comparing lean, feminine, and aesthetic sport athletes ( Varnes et al, 2013 ) or aesthetic, endurance, and ball game athletes ( Hausenblas and Symons Downs, 2001 ).…”

“…This review is novel in its focus on the relationship of anthropometrics and/or body composition indicators with body image in athletes. Only two previous reviews have reported on associations of body measures and body image among athletes, both doing so as secondary objectives ( Hausenblas and Symons Downs, 2001 ; Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo, 2023 ). In a 2001 review, Hausenblas and Symons Downs did not find differences in the magnitude of the effect size between individuals with BMI < 20 kg/m 2 , 20–22 kg/m 2 , and > 22 kg/m 2 ( Hausenblas and Symons Downs, 2001 ).…”

“…In a 2001 review, Hausenblas and Symons Downs did not find differences in the magnitude of the effect size between individuals with BMI < 20 kg/m 2 , 20–22 kg/m 2 , and > 22 kg/m 2 ( Hausenblas and Symons Downs, 2001 ). However, a more recent review by Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo suggested that underweight athletes were more dissatisfied with their bodies than those of a normal weight ( Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo, 2023 ). Importantly, this result was generated from a meta-analysis of only one study, consisting of 81 athletes ( Borrione et al, 2013 ).…”

“…The relationships between anthropometry, body composition, and body image in athletes have been evaluated in individual studies and briefly as sub-aims of 2001 ( Hausenblas and Symons Downs, 2001 ) and 2023 systematic reviews and meta-analyses ( Zaccagni and Gualdi-Russo, 2023 ). However, this recent review did not prioritize body composition in the search strategy or analyses, did not assess any elements of positive body image, and did not specify or adhere to a consistent definition of athletes.…”