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

Ewelina Łebek () and Andrzej Knapik
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Ewelina Łebek: Doctoral Studies, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medyków 12, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
Andrzej Knapik: Department of Adapted Physical Activity and Sport, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Medyków 12, 40-752 Katowice, Poland

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-8

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; physical activity; eating behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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