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Zaccagni L, Rosa L, Toselli S, Gualdi-Russo E. Sports Practice, Body Image Perception, and Factors Involved in Sporting Activity in Italian Schoolchildren. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1850. [PMID: 38136052 PMCID: PMC10742091 DOI: 10.3390/children10121850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity is generally deemed to positively affect health, but studies on children are scarce. Among the kinds of physical activity, sports practice is the most common and easiest to quantify and report by children. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the two genders and evaluate the association between organized sports practice and body dissatisfaction in a sample of 214 Italian schoolchildren (55.6% males) aged 5 to 12. Body image perception and data on sports practice expectations and facilitators were collected in individual face-to-face interviews; weight and stature were directly measured. Girls tended to be sportier than boys (91.6% of girls vs. 86.3% of boys practiced sports), with an earlier start in sports (5.48 ± 1.47 vs. 5.72 ± 1.38 years) and a greater amount of weekly sports (3.41 ± 2.95 vs. 3.01 ± 2.11 h/week). In both genders, the ideal silhouette was more slender than the feel silhouette, and in girls more than in boys. According to the outcomes of multiple regression models, years of organized sports participation were a significant predictor of the weekly amount of sports in both genders, in addition to the feel weight status minus actual weight status inconsistency score, fun in sports, and parental support only in boys and teacher support only in girls. Children's needs and interests and sports facilitators should be considered to promote an early active lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Zaccagni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.Z.); (L.R.)
- Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44123 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Rosa
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.Z.); (L.R.)
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.Z.); (L.R.)
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D'Anna G, Lucherini Angeletti L, Benvenuti F, Melani G, Ferroli M, Poli F, Villano RG, Ricca V, Rotella F. The association between sport type and eating/body image concerns in high school students: a cross-sectional observational study. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:43. [PMID: 37195394 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disordered eating and body image concerns are increasingly common among adolescents, possibly representing the underpinning of eating disorders (EDs). This cross-sectional observational study aimed at investigating the relationship between various patterns of sports involvement or inactivity, and the abovementioned psychopathological dimensions. METHODS All adolescents attending their 3rd-5th Italian grade in a single high school reported their sociodemographic and anthropometric data, their weekly sports involvement, and filled the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q), the Body Uneasiness Test, and the Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory (for boys). Comparisons were performed considering sex, weekly hours of activity, and different sports type (none, individual, or team sports). RESULTS Of 744 enrolled students, 522 (70.2%) completed the survey. Girls showed higher underweight rates, preference for inactivity or individual sports, and higher psychometric scores compared to boys. Among girls, no differences were found based on time spent exercising or sports type. Inactive boys displayed worse weight- and shape-based psychopathology, higher body uneasiness, and higher appearance intolerance compared to those who devoted more time to exercise. Among boys, individual and team sports were associated with lower EDE-Q scores compared to inactivity, whereas body uneasiness and appearance intolerance were lower only in team sports. CONCLUSIONS The study confirms the presence of remarkable sex differences in eating and body concerns of adolescents. Among boys, sports involvement is tied to lower ED psychopathology, and preference for team sports may be associated with reduced concerns. Wider longitudinal studies on will clarify the direction and specificity of these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V-Cross-sectional observational study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio D'Anna
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lucherini Angeletti
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Melani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Ferroli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Rita Giulia Villano
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Rotella
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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[Assessment of nutritional-dietary status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived image in rhythmic gymnastics athletes]. NUTR HOSP 2020; 37:1217-1225. [PMID: 33155479 DOI: 10.20960/nh.03141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction: among adolescent gymnasts some concern for body weight has been observed, with diets inadequate in energy and some nutrients in the search for maximum performance. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary-nutritional status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived body image concerns of female gymnasts at sub-national competition levels. In addition, to study the relationship between the prevalence of the risk of eating disorders and variables such as substance use, irregular menstruation, fatigue, and hours of sleep. Materials and method: a total of 33 female subelite gymnasts participated (age: M = 14.52, SD = 1.85), with age ranging from 11 to 18 years. Anthropometric evaluations (restricted profile) were made, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered, and the subjects were then interviewed for collecting sociodemographic, socio-sports, health, and food intake data. Results: the results showed that their diet was deficient, among other micro- and macro-nutrients, in water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins D and E, fiber, iron and calcium, whereas they ingested an excess of vitamin A and sodium. These athletes had normal weight, high muscle mass values, low fat mass levels, and intermediate somatotype components (balanced endomorph with a tendency to central). Two cases at risk for an eating disorder, and concerns related to perceived body image in a quarter of the sample were identified. Conclusion: the risk of having an eating disorder is related to the consumption of prohibited drugs or addictive substances, irregular menstruation, tiredness, and fewer hours of sleep.
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Jankauskiene R, Baceviciene M. Body Image and Disturbed Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in Sport-Involved Adolescents: The Role of Gender and Sport Characteristics. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11123061. [PMID: 31847410 PMCID: PMC6949941 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Disordered eating in adolescents who participate in sports is an issue of great concern. However, very few studies have examined the prevalence of sport-related determinants of disturbed eating attitudes and behaviours (DEABs) in sport-involved adolescents. The present study aims to assess body image and DEABs in the sample of adolescents involved in a sport of different characteristics (competitive sport, leisure sport; weight-sensitive and less-weight-sensitive sport) and to compare the results with those of the controls. A total sample of 732 adolescents (437 (59.4%) were female) participated in the study. The participants ranged in age from 16 to 19 years (mean = 17.2, SD = 0.6). Study participants completed a questionnaire assessing sports characteristics, body image, disordered eating, and health-compromising eating behaviours. Analysis of covariance was used to test the differences of major study variables between controls and weight-sensitive and less-weight-sensitive leisure and competitive sports groups. There was no significant difference observed in DEABs between the sports groups. Competitive athletes reported more satisfaction with body image than controls. The girls participating in weight-sensitive leisure sports reported higher overweight preoccupation and greater DEABs compared to those participating in less-weight-sensitive leisure sports. Boys participating in weight-sensitive leisure sports reported a greater drive for muscularity-related behaviour compared to those participating in less-weight-sensitive leisure sports. There was no observed interaction between gender and weight sensitivity in the competitive sports group. Adolescents involved in a competitive sport demonstrated greater body image satisfaction and did not seem to present a greater risk for DEABs than controls. Special prevention attempts for lowering body image concerns and DEABs should be addressed for adolescents participating in a weight-sensitive leisure sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Jankauskiene
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Miglė Baceviciene
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-(37)-302-638
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Nurkkala M, Keränen AM, Koivumaa-Honkanen H, Ikäheimo TM, Ahola R, Pyky R, Mäntysaari M, Korpelainen R. Disordered eating behavior, health and motives to exercise in young men: cross-sectional population-based MOPO study. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:483. [PMID: 27277478 PMCID: PMC4898374 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being overweight is an increasing problem among young people, among whom disordered eating behavior is linked with weight problems as well as unhealthy weight control. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether health factors and motives to exercise differ in young men by the type of disordered eating behavior. METHODS The population-based, cross-sectional MOPO study consisted of 2,096 young Finnish men (mean age 17.9, SD 0.7) attending compulsory call-ups for military service in the Oulu area in 2010, 2011, and 2013. They responded to a questionnaire that included two subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 indicating drive for thinness and bulimic behavior and questions on health, physical activity, and motives to exercise. The association between disordered eating behavior and related factors was analyzed by binary logistic regression. RESULTS Altogether, 6.9 % (n = 145) of the men had symptoms of disordered eating, i.e., 5.4 % had a drive for thinness (n = 114) and 3.7 % had bulimic behavior (n = 77). Drive for thinness was associated with a perception of being overweight (OR 3.7; 95 % CI 2.2-6.1), poor self-rated health (2.3; 1.2-4.4), more leisure sitting time (1.1; 1.0-1.2), and body-related exercise motives (body acceptance: 3.0; 1.7-5.2; weight loss: 2.5; 1.4-4.4). Bulimic behavior was positively associated with poor self-rated health (2.6; 1.1-5.8) and several motives to exercise, i.e., due to another person's suggestion (2.8; 1.6-4.8), competitive sports (2.1; 1.2-3.7), body acceptance (2.1; 1.1-3.9), and weight loss (1.9; 1.1-3.3), but inversely associated with health/fitness-related exercise motives (health promotion: 0.3; 0.1-0.5; muscular strength or physical performance: 0.5; 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSIONS In young men, disordered eating behavior was associated with being overweight, having poor self-rated health, and having a greater amount of leisure sitting time as well as non-health-related motives to exercise. In order to recognize those at risk for disordered eating behavior, evaluating these factors could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjukka Nurkkala
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, P.O. BOX 365, FI-90101, Oulu, Finland.
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland.
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Anna-Maria Keränen
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, P.O. BOX 365, FI-90101, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Clinical Research Center, Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. BOX 100, FI-70029, Kuopio, Finland
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. BOX 26, FI-90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland
- Departments of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), South Savonia Hospital District, Mikkeli; North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu; SOSTERI, Savonlinna; SOTE, Iisalmi; Lapland Hospital District, Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Tiina M Ikäheimo
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riikka Ahola
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riitta Pyky
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, P.O. BOX 365, FI-90101, Oulu, Finland
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Matti Mäntysaari
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Raija Korpelainen
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, P.O. BOX 365, FI-90101, Oulu, Finland
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University Hospital of Oulu and University of Oulu, P.O. BOX 5000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
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