Body Image and Physical Activity and the Diet of Polish Youth Aged 15-18

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 12;20(4):3213. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043213.

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the biological, psychological, and social development of humans. During this period, perceptions of one's body and behaviors are formed. The aim of the study was to investigate body image (BI) and its relationship with physical activity and selected eating habits in adolescents. The study included 312 people (102 girls (32.69%) and 210 boys (67.31%)) aged 15-18. As many as 40% of the girls and 27% of the boys reported feeling dissatisfied with their body mass. BI was negatively perceived by the adolescents, with girls being more critical than boys. Lack of acceptance of one's body mass negatively affects overall BI in girls, and only the functional aspects in boys. Negative perception of body mass in girls does not motivate them to increase physical activity but rather causes them to adopt dietary restrictions.

Keywords: adolescent; body image; eating behavior; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Image*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diet*
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poland

Grants and funding

This research was funded by [Center for Science and International Cooperation of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice] grant number-number of scientific and research work [PCN-2-017/N/0/Z] and the APC was funded by [Medical University of Silesia in Katowice].