Body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children

Michael Joseph Duncan · Yahya Al‐Nakeeb · Alan Michael Nevill · Marc V. Jones

53 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Pediatric Obesity

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Eating Disorders and Behaviors Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The present study examined the relationship among body dissatisfaction, body fat and physical activity in British children from different ethnic groups. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-six 11-14 year-old males and females (12.5 +0.8 years) took part in the study. Body dissatisfaction was assessed using a figure rating scale; percent body fat was determined by skinfold measures, and physical activity was assessed using a self-report measure. RESULTS: Significant, positive relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat for the whole sample (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Similar relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and body fat when split by gender and ethnicity (both p < 0.01). No significant relationships were evident between body dissatisfaction and physical activity (all p > 0.05). ANCOVA controlling for body fat and physical activity revealed that as the covariate of physical activity increased, so did body dissatisfaction (F(1,269) = 13.36, p < 0.01). A significant interaction between fat and ethnicity was also evident (F2,269 = 4.49, p < 0.05). Girls had lower levels of physical activity (F(1,270) = 6.00, p < 0.01); greater body dissatisfaction (F(1,269) = 9.34, p <0.01), and greater fatness (F(1,275) = 37.51, p < 0.01) than boys. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children in this study were dissatisfied with their bodies and girls were more dissatisfied than boys. The main novel finding of this study was that the association between body dissatisfaction and body fatness differed across ethnic groups, with this association being greatest in Asian children (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi in origin) in comparison to black and white children.

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References

1999Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance.2002Risk and maintenance factors for eating pathology: A meta-analytic review.1999Body image: understanding body dissatisfaction in men, women, and children 2002Ethnic/racial differences in weight-related concerns and behaviors among adolescent girls and boys 2001Effects of a circuit weight training program on the body images of college students 2002The role of body dissatisfaction as a risk factor for depression in adolescent girls 2001Relationships among body satisfaction, social physique anxiety, and eating behaviors in female athletes and exercisers.1995Body shape perception and dieting in preadolescent british asian girls: Links with eating disorders

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