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Is Being a Boy and Feeling Fat a Barrier for Physical Activity? The Association between Body Image, Gender and Physical Activity among Adolescents

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  • Jaroslava Kopcakova

    (Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Safarik University, Tr. SNP 1, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
    Center for Kinanthropology Research, Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University in Olomouc, Tr. Miru 115, Olomouc 77111, Czech Republic)

  • Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska

    (Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Safarik University, Tr. SNP 1, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia)

  • Andrea Madarasova Geckova

    (Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty, Safarik University, Tr. SNP 1, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
    Olomouc University Social Health Institute (OUSHI), Palacky University in Olomouc, Tr. Miru 115, Olomouc 77111, Czech Republic)

  • Jitse P. Van Dijk

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute (OUSHI), Palacky University in Olomouc, Tr. Miru 115, Olomouc 77111, Czech Republic
    Department of Community & Occupational Health, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Sijmen A. Reijneveld

    (Department of Community & Occupational Health, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Regular physical activity leads to physical and mental health benefits. Previous studies have shown physical activity to be associated with body image and gender. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the associations of body image with physical activity of adolescents and whether gender modifies this association. We obtained data on body image and physical activity as part of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study in 2010 from Slovakia ( n = 8042, age 11–15 years, 49% boys, response rate: 79.5%). Adolescents answered questions about their body image and the frequency of their physical activity. Sufficient physical activity was more likely in adolescents perceiving themselves as fat (OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.54–0.73) and in boys (OR = 2.15, 95%CI 1.92–2.42). A poor body image among girls was not associated with physical activity, whereas among boys it was associated with less physical activity. Gender seems to moderate the relationship between body image and physical activity in youths. Health promotion should be targeted in particular at boys with a negative body image, as they are at higher risk of physical inactivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaroslava Kopcakova & Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska & Andrea Madarasova Geckova & Jitse P. Van Dijk & Sijmen A. Reijneveld, 2014. "Is Being a Boy and Feeling Fat a Barrier for Physical Activity? The Association between Body Image, Gender and Physical Activity among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-10, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:11:p:11167-11176:d:41657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zuzana Veselska & Andrea Madarasova Geckova & Sijmen Reijneveld & Jitse Dijk, 2011. "Aspects of self differ among physically active and inactive youths," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 56(3), pages 311-318, June.
    2. Ronald Iannotti & Ian Janssen & Ellen Haug & Hanna Kololo & Beatrice Annaheim & Alberto Borraccino, 2009. "Interrelationships of adolescent physical activity, screen-based sedentary behaviour, and social and psychological health," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(2), pages 191-198, September.
    3. Ellen Haug & Mette Rasmussen & Oddrun Samdal & Ron Iannotti & Colette Kelly & Alberto Borraccino & Carine Vereecken & Ole Melkevik & Giacomo Lazzeri & Mariano Giacchi & Oya Ercan & Pernille Due & Ulri, 2009. "Overweight in school-aged children and its relationship with demographic and lifestyle factors: results from the WHO-Collaborative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(2), pages 167-179, September.
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    1. Jaroslava Kopcakova & Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska & Andrea Madarasova Geckova & Michal Kalman & Jitse P. Van Dijk & Sijmen A. Reijneveld, 2015. "Do Motives to Undertake Physical Activity Relate to Physical Activity in Adolescent Boys and Girls?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Eliška Štefanová & Peter Bakalár & Tibor Baška, 2020. "Eating-Disordered Behavior in Adolescents: Associations with Body Image, Body Composition and Physical Activity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-9, September.
    3. María Rivera-Ochoa & Marta Arroyo-Bello & Asier Mañas & Carlos Quesada-González & Barbara Vizmanos-Lamotte & Marcela González-Gross & Amelia Guadalupe-Grau, 2021. "Body Dissatisfaction and Its Association with Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-10, November.
    4. Carolina G. Coelho & Luana Giatti & Maria D. C. B. Molina & Maria A. A. Nunes & Sandhi M. Barreto, 2015. "Body Image and Nutritional Status Are Associated with Physical Activity in Men and Women: The ELSA-Brasil Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-18, May.

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