Is being a boy and feeling fat a barrier for physical activity? The association between body image, gender and physical activity among adolescents

The relationship between anabolic androgenic steroid use and body image, eating behavior, and physical activity by gender: A systematic review

The prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is rising, especially in recreational sports and the general population. While body image significantly influences AAS use, gender differences remain unclear. We examined gender-related connections between AAS use, body image, eating behavior, and physical activity. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 22 studies: 14 with male-only samples, 5 mixed-gender, 2 with sexual and gender minorities, and 1 with a female-only sample. FINDINGS: confirm body image as a key predictor of AAS use. Though AAS use correlates with eating disorders, outcomes vary by context; for instance, no discernible difference in eating behavior was observed between AAS users and non-users in bodybuilding. Physical activity findings varied, with some studies showing no significant differences between AAS users and non-users. Due to limited gender-comparison studies, conclusive gender-related differences cannot be drawn. This systematic review underscores the complex interplay between AAS use, body image, eating behavior, and physical activity, emphasizing the necessity for further research to develop targeted interventions for diverse populations, addressing AAS-related concerns and promoting overall well-being.

The message matters: Advertisement framing and college women's beliefs toward exercise

Objective: This study explores college women's beliefs and experiences about exercise informed by different framing strategies, and how they may influence exercise engagement. Participants: Four focus groups were conducted with 19 undergraduate women at a large public Midwestern university.Methods: Four differently framed group exercise advertisements were used to prompt focus group discussions on beliefs and intentions to exercise. Transcribed data were analyzed with a thematic content approach.Results: Undergraduate female participants described more positive beliefs that influence intention with a well-being-framed advertisement. More negative beliefs were described when the advertisement focused on enhancing appearance. Participants of color believed that seeing more representation of diversity in advertisements would make engaging in exercise easier.Conclusion: Positive beliefs linked to a "well-being" frame and diverse imagery of women in exercise advertisements may improve intention to exercise, increasing physical activity among women.

Correlates of physical activity habits in adolescents: A systematic review

Physical activity habits are crucial for the physical and mental wellbeing of adolescents (individuals aged 10-19 years). However, few studies over the last two decades have systematically aggregated the influential factors of physical activity habits for adolescents. Five online databases (EBSCOhost (Eric), Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies published before 14 August 2022. Our systematic review indicated the following: 1) boys performed more physical activity habits than girls, whereas girls preferred to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; 2) physical activity in adolescents decreased with age; 3) African American adolescents performed significantly more habitual physical activities than white adolescents; 4) adolescents with higher literacy had better physical activity habits; 5) support from parents, teachers, friends, and others helped adolescents in developing physical activity habits; 6) adolescents who spent less time participating in habitual physical activity had a higher body mass index; 7) adolescents who reported higher levels of self-efficacy and satisfaction with school sports tended to have stronger physical activity habits; 8) sedentary behavior, smoking, drinking, prolonged screen time, negative emotions, and excessive use of media technology were correlated with reduced habitual physical activity in adolescents. These findings could help develop interventions to motivate adolescents and promote physical activity habits among them.

[Body image is associated with anthropometric status in adolescents, but not with lifestyle]

Body image is a construct of the multifaceted representation of body identity that involves self-perception, beliefs, attitudes about the body itself, which can be influenced by several factors. This study evaluated the association of body image with anthropometric and lifestyle indicators among adolescents. The sample comprised 465 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years from public schools in the city of Salvador-Bahia. The Silhouettes Scale assessed the body image. The anthropometric data (body mass index and waist circumference), the lifestyle (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents and television time), economic and demographic data were evaluated. Polytomous logistic regression assessed associations of interest by STATA, version 16.0. Overweight (OR:9,7; CI95%:5,4-17,5) and abdominal obesity (OR:14,0; CI95%: 5,0-39,3) were positively associated with body dissatisfaction. However, there was no association with lifestyle variables (physical activity: OR: 1,7, CI: 0,9-2,9, and TV time: OR:1,2; CI:0,8-1,9). The conclusion reached is that anthropometric status is an essential indicator of adverse body image outcomes in adolescents.

Trends in Physical Fitness and Nutritional Status among School-Aged Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Shaanxi, China-A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the characteristics of trends in physical fitness and nutritional status among school-aged students during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could help to develop targeted guidelines and policies for students (adolescents) to promote health during lockdowns resulting from public health emergencies.

METHODS

The physical fitness and nutritional status were measured from 2019 to 2021; the correlation between years and grade were analyzed.

RESULTS

a declining trend was found in aerobic fitness, strength fitness, speed fitness, and BMI during this lockdown.

CONCLUSION

The changes in dietary behavior and the decrease in outdoor physical activities may be the reason for the decline. Furthermore, differences in subjects' growth and limited space at home must be considered in the formulation of exercise and nutritional plans. According to the results of our study, exercise for aerobic fitness should receive more attention when students are enduring a pandemic lockdown. In addition, saying "no" to high-calorie foods in the form of snacking and ultra-processed food was the key to improving subjects' nutritional status.

Relations between physical activity, sedentary time, and body fat from childhood to adolescence: Do they differ by sex?

BACKGROUND

Efforts to reveal the direction of influence between physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST) and body fat in youth have produced inconsistent results, possibly due to a lack of adjustment for confounders and other factors. Sex-specific associations have rarely been studied.

METHODS

A sample from two Norwegian birth cohorts (n = 809) were followed biennially over five waves from the age of 6-14 years. Physical activity and ST were recorded by accelerometers, and body fat was assessed by bioelectrical impedance measurements.

RESULTS

By applying a dynamic panel model (DPM) that adjusts for all time-invariant confounding factors, it was found that among boys, increased fat mass index (FMI) at ages 8, 10 and 12 years predicted decreased PA two years later (8-10 years: B = -0.67, (95% CI: -1.1, -0.24); 10-12 years: B = -0.33, (95% CI: -0.61, -0.05); 12-14 years: B = -0.29, (95% CI: -0.52, -0.06)). Regarding the opposite direction of influence, more PA at age 12 forecasted reduced FMI at age 14 (B = -0.16, (95% CI: -0.24, -0.07)), whereas increased FMI predicted increased ST across all time points in boys only (6-8 years: B = 0.23, (95% CI:0.02.43); 8-10 years: B = 0.23, (95% CI:.08.39); 10-12 years: B = 0.13, (95% CI:.03.23); 12-14 years: B = 0.17, (95% CI:.07, 26)). The revealed relationships were significantly stronger in boys compared to the (absent) relations in girls. Sensitivity analyses examining moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) rather than total PA were in accordance with the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS

In boys, increased FMI predicted reduced PA and increased ST two years later from childhood to adolescence. The opposite direction of influence was evident from only ages 12-14. There were no prospective relationships between FMI and PA or ST among girls.

Factors associated with a low level of physical activity in adolescents from La Rioja (Spain)

INTRODUCTION

Compliance with the recommendations regarding physical activity by adolescents is poor despite its proven benefits on their health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyse the physical activity engagement in an adolescent population, evaluating its relationship with various indicators of physical and psychological health, as well as the influence of different sociodemographic variables as potential predictors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was applied to a sample of 761 students (14.51 ± 1.63 years) from 25 schools in La Rioja (Spain). Physical activity engagement, hours of nightly sleep, maximum oxygen uptake, health-related quality of life, self-esteem, body image satisfaction, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body mass index, academic performance and various sociodemographic factors were analysed for all participants.

RESULTS

Being older, being a girl, having a low/medium socioeconomic level, living in unfavourable environments for practicing physical activity, not doing extracurricular sports activities, and being dissatisfied with body image were all predictors of a low physical activity engagement. Likewise, physical activity engagement reported positive associations with health-related quality of life, self-esteem, hours of nightly sleep, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and maximum oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity must take into account these predictive factors, trying to favor their performance, especially in the most vulnerable groups.

Body image, body composition and environment: do they affect adolescents' physical activity?

BACKGROUND

Most adolescents are less physically active than recommended, despite the strong effort of various stakeholders to promote physical activity (PA). Body image and body composition may play an important role not only in directly facilitating adolescents' PA but also in enabling environment-related factors. As evidence is lacking, we aimed to assess the associations of adolescents' PA with body-related and environment-related factors, whether this differs by age and gender, and whether these factors interact.

METHODS

We used data on 888 11- to 15-year-old adolescents (mean age = 13.5, 56% boys) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study conducted in 2018 in Slovakia. We used multinomial logistic regression analysis to assess the association of adolescents' PA with body-related factors (body image, body composition) and environment-related factors (PA-promoting environment, less leisure constraints), taking into account age and gender.

RESULTS

Adolescents who perceived their body as not too fat were more likely to be physically very active rather than inactive [odds ratios (ORs)/95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15/1.44-3.22], and similarly those who were not overweight/obese (3.24/2.09-5.01) and perceived less leisure constraints (1.74/1.44-2.11). In older adolescents and in girls, the association of adolescents' PA with body composition and environment-related factors was stronger. The association of adolescents' PA with perceiving less leisure constraints was stronger among adolescents who did not perceive their body as too fat (OR/95% CI 1.98/1.26-3.14), and for those who were not overweight/obese (OR/95% CI 1.62/1.01-2.57).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents' PA is associated with both body-related and environment-related factors. These associations are stronger in girls and older adolescents, if co-occurring.

Body Dissatisfaction and Its Association with Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco

Background: To better understand Mexican adolescent’s body self-perception, this study aimed to analyze their body dissatisfaction (BD) levels according to sex and place of residence. We also aimed to explore differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), and physical activity (PA) between satisfied and dissatisfied adolescents and to find the associations between BD and these parameters. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study carried out in Jalisco (Mexico) in which 451 adolescents (43.68% males, 43.90% rural) aged 13–17 years were evaluated. BD and self-perceived PF and PA were assessed with validated questionnaires, while objectively measured PF (strength, explosive strength, speed-agility, and cardiovascular fitness) was assessed using field tests. To evaluate BC, anthropometric measures and bioelectric impedance analysis were carried out. Regression analysis was used to ascertain the associations between health-related factors and body dissatisfaction. Results: Girls obtained higher scores on the BD questionnaire than boys (11.12 ± 3.13 vs. 10.33 ± 2.73; p < 0.05), whereas no geographical differences between rural and urban adolescents were found. BD was positively associated with higher fat mass (β = 0.15; p < 0.001), and negatively associated with muscle mass and PF (β = −0.24 and β = −0.23; p < 0.001). However, PA was not associated with any of the measured parameters. Conclusions: selected parameters of BC, PF, and sex have an impact on the Mexican adolescent’s body satisfaction levels and should be considered when designing future health policies.

Autonomous motivation and action planning are longitudinally associated with physical activity during adolescence and early adulthood

We examined the associations of autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and physical activity (PA) planning with PA participation over six years across the adolescent-to-adult transition. Participants from the NEXT Generation Health Study, a nationally representative cohort study of U.S. 10th graders (N=2785), completed surveys yearly from 2010 to 2016 (four years post-high school). This study used data from Waves 2 (W2) through 7 (W7). Data were analyzed using growth models accounting for the complex survey design and controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. A piecewise growth model with two pieces (Piece 1: W2-W4; Piece 2: W4-W7) indicated that PA declined during late adolescence (W2-W4) (b=-0.31, β=-0.22, p<.001), but did not decline after the transition into early adulthood (W4-W7) (b=-0.08, β=-0.04, p=.052). Autonomous motivation was positively associated with PA at all waves (b=0.23-0.33, β=1.90-4.37, p<.001). Controlled motivation was only positively associated with PA at W3 (12th grade) (b=0.13, β=1.54, p=.011). PA planning varied significantly between individuals and significantly predicted PA (b=0.44, β=0.21, p<.001). Although PA decreased significantly during late adolescence, PA did not decrease significantly after transitioning into early adulthood (one to four years post-high school). Elevated autonomous motivation and PA planning were consistently and significantly associated with higher PA, suggesting that these may be useful intervention targets during this adolescent-to-adult transition.

Associations between physical activity motives and trends in moderate-to-Vigorous physical activity among adolescents over five years

This study examined the longitudinal associations between five physical activity (PA) motives and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) across a 5-year period spanning late childhood to middle adolescence.METHODS: Data (n = 937; 55% girls; mean age = 10.33 years) were drawn from the Monitoring Activities for Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits study. PA motives and MVPA were assessed 15 times over the course of 5 years. Measurement invariance for the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) questionnaire was established, and sex-stratified mixed-effects regression models were analysed.MVPA increased until a mean age of 12.18 years for girls and 12.89 years for boys before decreasing through the final assessment. From late childhood to middle adolescence, for boys, enjoyment motives were positively (β(95% CI) = 6.14(3.86-8.43)), while fitness motives were negatively (β(95% CI) = -4.80(-8.0, -1.59)) associated with MVPA. Whereas, for girls, competence motives were positively β(95% CI) = 3.44(1.59-5.28)) associated with MVPABoys may benefit from PA interventions, if these were primarily aimed at increasing ones' enjoyment, whereas developing a girl's competence may provide greater contributions to a girl's future PA behaviours. PA interventions should avoid promoting the desire to be active to improve fitness, particularly among boys.

A mental health informatics study on the mediating effect of the regulatory emotional self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the internal mechanism of the relationship between physical activity and mental health in home exercises.

METHODS

Participants were 2233 college students with an average age of 19.34 (SD = 1.07) recruited from southern China using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical multiple regression. They completed the college student physical activity questionnaire, regulatory emotional self-efficacy scale (RES) and Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) to explore the internal mechanism of the relationship between home exercises and mental health in the context of fitness campaign.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis based on ANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression, and the results showed that gender differences is a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of home exercise on mental health in college students. Furthermore, individuals with regulatory emotional self-efficacy are more likely to keep exercising, which may stimulate the positive effect on enhancing mental health.

CONCLUSION

Variable of emotion regulation efficacy play an important role in promoting college students positive emotions, stimulating potential, and improving physical and mental health. Further to advocate sports interventions for home-stay groups to improve their control of emotions, thereby reducing their anxiety and depression in the face of unexpected events.

[Factors associated with a low level of physical activity in adolescents from La Rioja (Spain)]

INTRODUCTION

Compliance with the recommendations regarding physical activity by adolescents is poor despite its proven benefits on their health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyse the physical activity engagement in an adolescent population, evaluating its relationship with various indicators of physical and psychological health, as well as the influence of different sociodemographic variables as potential predictors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was applied to a sample of 761 students (14.51 ± 1.63 years) from 25 schools in La Rioja (Spain). Physical activity engagement, hours of nightly sleep, maximum oxygen uptake, health-related quality of life, self-esteem, body image satisfaction, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body mass index, academic performance and various sociodemographic factors were analysed for all participants.

RESULTS

Being older, being a girl, having a low/medium socioeconomic level, living in unfavourable environments for practicing physical activity, not doing extracurricular sports activities, and being dissatisfied with body image were all predictors of a low physical activity engagement. Likewise, physical activity engagement reported positive associations with health-related quality of life, self-esteem, hours of nightly sleep, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and maximum oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity must take into account these predictive factors, trying to favor their performance, especially in the most vulnerable groups.

Association between selected individual and environmental characteristics in relation to health behavior of Brazilian adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The study investigates the evolution of healthy behaviors (healthy eating and regular physical activity) in Brazilian adolescents during 2012 and 2015, and its associations with self-assessment of body weight and adoption of weight control attitudes, in the context of diverse household features, school environments, and regional characteristics.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional surveys of Brazilian adolescents attending the ninth grade in 2012 and 2015 were gathered comprising a national sample. Data from 209,601 completed surveys were analyzed using robust error estimates of ordinary least squares regressions.

RESULTS

Results showed that there was a decrease in the frequency of healthy foods consumption and recommended physical activity level between 2012 and 2015. The regression analyses revealed that healthy eating and physical activity were significantly higher for adolescents with normal weight perception (i.e., did not perceive themselves to have either low or excess body weight) and for adolescents who were male, were members of middle socioeconomic stratum families, and had mothers with college degrees. In addition, healthy eating was significantly higher for adolescents who did not wish to lose weight, did not watch TV while eating, went to public schools, and lived with both parents. Ethnic differences varied based on region, with healthy eating being significantly higher among black/mulato/indigenous adolescents in the South and Southeast regions, but significantly higher among white/yellow adolescents in the North region.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnic and gender-related differences were identified in health behaviors and attitudes towards weight control of Brazilian adolescents. Findings indicate the relevance of individual characteristics combined with the influence of social networks for the adoption of healthy behaviors among adolescent students.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, evidence obtained from multiple time series without intervention.

Eating-Disordered Behavior in Adolescents: Associations with Body Image, Body Composition and Physical Activity

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a disparate group of mental health problems that significantly impair physical health or psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to present some evidence about the prevalence of eating-disordered behavior (EDB) in adolescents, and explore its associations with body image (BI), body composition (BC) and physical activity (PA) in this age group. Data from 780 adolescents participating in a health behavior in school-aged children (HBSC) study conducted in Slovakia in 2018 were used (mean age 13.5 ± 1.3; 56% boys). Differences in mean values of numerical indicators were evaluated using the independent samples t-test. Differences between nominal variables were assessed by the chi-square test. Pearson correlation was used to describe the associations between all the selected variables. EDB was positively screened in 26.7% (208/780) of adolescents, with a higher prevalence in girls (128/344, 37.2%) than in boys (80/436, 18.3%). Significantly higher means of BI, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), body fat mass index (BFMI), fat free mass index (FFMI), and SCOFF questionnaire score (SCOFF QS) were found in those positively screened for EDB. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations between EDB and BI, BW, BMI, BFM, BFP and BFMI. The prevalence of EDB is high in Slovak adolescents. Positive associations between EDB, BI, BMI and fat-related body composition parameters support the idea of a more integrated approach in EDs and obesity prevention and treatment. At the same time, gender differences suggest the need for considering gender-specific strategies aimed at girls and boys separately.

Smoking as a weight control strategy of Serbian adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to determine association of age, gender, BMI, body image (body satisfaction, body appearance), depression, unhealthy weight control behaviors with smoking among Serbian adolescents and specifically association of these variables with smoking for weight control among adolescent smokers.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of data collected from 2763 students aged 13-15 years old (49.9% boys; 50.1% girls) obtained through cross-sectional Health Behavior in School-aged Children Survey conducted in Serbia in 2018 and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In Serbia, 12.9% adolescents 13-15 years old smoke and 6.6% smoke for weight control, while this practice was present among 48.8% of the smokers. Higher odds of smoking were found among adolescents who perceive themselves thin and good looking, while these two factors didn't play role for the smoking for weight control among smokers. Depression and unhealthy weight control behavior other than smoking significantly predicted smoking and smoking for weight control. Gender was not associated with smoking in adolescents, but among adolescent smokers, boys had two times higher chance compared to girls to report smoking for weight control.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings call for incorporating and strengthening interventions for adolescents' weight control management and mental health as part of smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Rehabilitation: mobility, exercise & sports; a critical position stand on current and future research perspectives

BACKGROUND

Human movement, rehabilitation, and allied sciences have embraced their ambitions within the cycle of "RehabMove" congresses over the past 30 years. This combination of disciplines and collaborations in the Netherlands has tried to provide answers to questions in the fields of rehabilitation and adapted sports, while simultaneously generating new questions and challenges. These research questions help us to further deepen our understanding of (impaired) human movement and functioning, with and without supportive technologies, and stress the importance of continued multidisciplinary (inter)national collaboration.

METHODS

This position stand provides answers that were conceived by the authors in a creative process underlining the preparation of the 6th RehabMove Congress.

RESULTS

The take-home message of the RehabMove2018 Congress is a plea for continued multidisciplinary research in the fields of rehabilitation and adapted sports. This should be aimed at more individualized notions of human functioning, practice, and training, but also of performance, improved supportive technology, and appropriate "human and technology asset management" at both individual and organization levels and over the lifespan.

CONCLUSIONS

With this, we anticipate to support the development of rehabilitation sciences and technology and to stimulate the use of rehabilitation notions in general health care. We also hope to help ensure a stronger embodiment of preventive and lifestyle medicine in rehabilitation practice. Indeed, general health care and rehabilitation practice require a healthy and active lifestyle management and research agenda in the context of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONContinued multidisciplinary (international) collaboration will stimulate the development of rehabilitation and human movement sciences.Notions from "human and technology asset management and ergonomics" are fundamental to rehabilitation practice and research.The rehabilitation concept will further merge into general health care and the quality there-off.

Body image disorders associated with lifestyle and body composition of female adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between body image disorders and the lifestyle and body composition of female adolescents.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Silhouette Scale and Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 were used to evaluate the participants' body image. Body composition was evaluated by a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry equipment, and lifestyles were identified by latent class analysis (LCA) using the poLCA package for R.

PARTICIPANTS

Female adolescents aged 14-19 years old, in the city of Viçosa-MG, Brazil.

RESULTS

In total, 405 girls participated in the study. Almost half of the participants were dissatisfied with their current physical appearance (51·4 %), presented body perception distortions (52·9 %). 47·3 % of the adolescents were dissatisfied with their body according to the BSQ, and another 8 % severely so. Subjects with an 'Inactive and Sedentary' latent lifestyle were 1·71 times as likely to feel dissatisfied as those with active and sedentary or inactive and non-sedentary lifestyles (95 % CI 1·08, 2·90, P = 0·047). Body image disorders showed an association with decreased amounts of moderate and vigorous physical activity, high screen time, increased alcohol consumption and excess body fat.

CONCLUSIONS

Particular patterns of lifestyle and body composition seem to be associated in female adolescents with dissatisfaction with, distortion of and excessive concern about appearance. Specifically, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption and high body fat percentage may be strongly linked to body image disorders.

Body image dissatisfaction in adolescents: Comparison with physical activity, teasing and social support

This study aimed to compare the adolescents' body dissatisfaction with physical activity, teasing during physical activity and social support. Participants were 938 Brazilian adolescents aged 15-19 years. Study variables were investigated through questionnaires. There was no difference in body dissatisfaction among adolescents who practiced and did not practice physical activity, but among the former, those who had been teased had greater body dissatisfaction. Also, adolescents who had a relative or friend to talk, in addition to giving and receiving affection, more frequently, presented lower body dissatisfaction. Stratifying the sample by gender, the results were similar in females but were not significant in males.

Socio-Demographic Factors and Body Image Perception Are Associated with BMI-For-Age among Children Living in Welfare Homes in Selangor, Malaysia

Considering the double burden of malnutrition in Malaysia, data on malnourished children living in welfare homes are limited. This study aimed to determine the body weight status of children living in welfare homes and its associated factors. A total of 307 children aged 7–17 years old living in 15 selected welfare homes completed a standardized questionnaire, and their body weight and height were measured by trained researchers. There were 54.4% orphans, 23.8% abandoned children, and 21.8% children from problematic families. There were 51.5% boys and 48.5% girls; 52.4% were Malays, followed by 31.3% Indians, 12.7% Chinese, and 3.6% from other ethnic groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (23.1%) was higher than the prevalence of thinness (8.5%). In bivariate analyses, socio-demographic factors of age (p = 0.003), sex (p = 0.0001), ethnicity (p = 0.001), and welfare home enrollment status (p = 0.003), and psychological factors of self-esteem (p = 0.003), body shape dissatisfaction (p = 0.0001), and underestimation of body weight status (p = 0.002), were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI)-for-age. In the multiple linear regression analysis, children who were either Malays (β = 0.492) or Chinese (β = 0.678), with a status of being abandoned (β = 0.409), with body shape dissatisfaction (β = 0.457), and underestimated body weight status (β = 0.628) significantly explained 39.7% of the variances in higher BMI-for-age (F = 39.550; p < 0.05). Besides socio-demographic background, the current findings emphasized the importance of incorporating body image perception in an obesity prevention intervention program in welfare homes.

Factors influencing interest in recreational sports participation and its rural-urban disparity

Objectives

Recreational sports are important leisure activities. However, most studies investigating barrier factors and motivation for participation in recreational sports have been limited to specific areas (e.g., a city or school) or demographic groups (e.g., adolescents). Therefore, this study set out to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the behavioral and socioeconomic factors influencing interest in recreational sports participation in Taiwan, as well as to evaluate the effect of any urban-rural divide.

Methods

This study analyzed data collected by the “Taiwan Social Change Survey” (program five, wave 3) “Leisure Life” questionnaire. We used hierarchical linear modeling to assess respondent interest in recreational sports participation and evaluated the influence of behavioral factors, socioeconomic factors, and residence location (urban/rural).

Results

Of the 2,146 participants in this study, 50.3% were male, and the average age was 43.9 years. Location of residence (urban/rural) accounted for 35.3% of the variation in interest in recreational sports participation, while the remaining 64.7% came from the individual level. Participants who lived in rural settings were less interested in recreational sports than their urban counterparts. Gender, educational attainment, participation frequency, health-motivated interest, and appearance-motivated interest were also associated with interest in recreational sports participation.

Conclusions

Different communication strategies may be needed to effectively reach different demographic groups. We suggest that future public health campaigns aiming to increase recreational sports participation include tailored interventions and messages to effectively encourage leisure physical activities among all, regardless of demographic boundaries.

Physical Activity of Female Students in Secondary Schools in the Context of Physical Activity Recommendations Fulfilment

Purpose. Increasing energy intake and decreasing movement performance are among the greatest population issues of mankind. Risk elimination consists in returning to physically active way of life. The aim of the paper was to analyse the physical activity of female in selected secondary schools in the Presov district region, Slovakia, from the point of view of physical activity recommendations fulfilment. Methods. The research group consisted of 353 female students from 14 selected secondary schools in the Presov district region. The students were distributed in four groups according to age (15-18 years). Results. More than half of the studied females did not perform movement activity of medium or high intensity. The highest percentage of success rate in the criteria fulfilment was achieved by females of all age categories in walking 5 times per week for the minimum of 30 minutes (W 5 × 30). Only 44.3% of the students aged 15 years and up to 70.8% of those at the age of 18 met at least one criterion of the physical activity recommendations. Conclusions. As for physical activity recommendations fulfilment, the most successful criterion was performing physical activity regardless of its intensity. Physical activity recommendations seem to be very hard to implement in this age category, especially those concerning intense physical activity.

Body image dissatisfaction, physical activity and screen-time in Spanish adolescents

This cross-sectional study contributes to the literature on whether body dissatisfaction is a barrier/facilitator to engaging in physical activity and to investigate the impact of mass-media messages via computer-time on body dissatisfaction. High-school students ( N = 1501) reported their physical activity, computer-time (homework/leisure) and body dissatisfaction. Researchers measured students’ weight and height. Analyses revealed that body dissatisfaction was negatively associated with physical activity on both genders, whereas computer-time was associated only with girls’ body dissatisfaction. Specifically, as computer-homework increased, body dissatisfaction decreased; as computer-leisure increased, body dissatisfaction increased. Weight-related interventions should improve body image and physical activity simultaneously, while critical consumption of mass-media interventions should include a computer component.

Age and Gender Differences in Prevalence of Screen Based Behaviour, Physical Activity and Health Complaints among Slovak School-aged Children

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess age and gender differences in prevalence of screen based behaviour, physical activity and health complaints among Slovak school-aged children.

METHODS

Data from the cross-sectional Health Behaviour of School-aged Children study collected in 2010 among Slovak children (age 11-15 years, N=8,042) was used. Logistic regression models adjusted to age and gender were used to analyse the associations between watching TV, working with a computer or playing computer games and physical activity and headache, backache, sleep difficulties, feeling low, irritability, and feeling nervous.

RESULTS

Around one-quarter of adolescents is spending more than three hours a day with screen-based activities. While the age was significantly associated with watching TV and computer use, gender was significantly associated only with excessive computer use. As for physical activity only 25% of adolescents reported being physically active every day as recommended, and this number decreases with increasing age. Boys used to be more often active in comparison with girls. A sizeable number of adolescents suffer with selected health complaints every week. Moreover, the prevalence of health complaints increases with age and is significantly higher among girls.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of screen-based activities as well as insufficient physical activity and health complaints among adolescents is relatively high and it increases with age. Gender differences are also significant, except for watching TV.

Motives for Physical Activity among Adolescents in the Czech and Slovak Republics

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity significantly contributes to overall health and the level of activity during adolescence has been associated with physical activity in adulthood. The aim of this paper was to analyse motives for young people undertaking leisure time physical activity in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

METHODS

Eleven to fifteen year old schoolchildren (N=9,014; mean age=13.59) participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children 2009/2010 study in the Czech and Slovak Republics completed 12 items measuring physical activity motivations. To analyse the factor structure of motives for physical activity, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation.

RESULTS

Contrary to previous research that reported three main motives for physical activity (health, social, achievement), our study suggests four motives. The additional motive is a combination of internal and external motivations and was called the "Good Child Motive".

CONCLUSIONS

Better understanding of motives behind physical activity or inactivity of young people could significantly contribute to evidence based planning and development of national strategies for public health and active living.

Do Motives to Undertake Physical Activity Relate to Physical Activity in Adolescent Boys and Girls?

Low levels of physical activity (PA) during adolescence contribute to obesity and poor health outcomes in adolescence, and these associations endure into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between motives for PA and the level of PA among adolescent boys and girls. We obtained data regarding motives for PA and frequency of PA in 2010 via the Health Behavior in School-aged Children cross-sectional study in the Czech and Slovak Republics (n = 9018, mean age = 13.6, 49% boys). Respondents answered questions about their motives for PA and the frequency of their PA. Motives for PA were assessed using 13 items, which were structured in four groups. We explored the association between the motives for PA and sufficient PA using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, and separately for boys and girls. "Good child" motives and Achievement motives were significantly associated with sufficient PA among both boys and girls. Health motives were associated with sufficient PA only among boys, and Social motives were associated with sufficient PA only among girls. Motives for PA were associated with the level of PA, and this association was partially gender dependent. These gender differences should be considered in interventions focusing on enhancement of PA.

Body Image and Nutritional Status Are Associated with Physical Activity in Men and Women: The ELSA-Brasil Study

The association of body image dissatisfaction and obesity with physical activity is likely to differ according to gender. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a cross-sectional study among the ELSA-Brasil cohort members aged 34-65 years (n=13,286). The body image dissatisfaction was present even among normal weight individuals of both sexes and was associated with lesser chances of practicing moderate physical activity in women and intense physical activity in men. Men and women with central obesity were less prone to practice physical activity of high or moderate intensity. Overweight and obese men were more likely to report vigorous physical activity while obese women were less likely to report this level of physical activity. Body images as well as nutritional status are related to physical activity in both sexes, but the association with physical activity differs by gender.