Relationship Between Body Image, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status in Adolescents

Abstract

This study evaluated the presence of inaccuracy of body image estimation and its possible interactions with the practice of physical activity and the nutritional status in adolescents. A total of three hundred and seventy five adolescents (191 boys and 184 girls), responded the Figure Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and had their weight and height measured. The girls showed more inaccuracy than boys. No was observed physical activity effect, but a significant effect of nutritional status with the undernutrition group presenting lower levels of inaccuracy compared to the other groups. The results of this study demonstrate that in this sample, inaccuracy of body image estimation was strictly related to nutritional status, but not to physical activity.