Relationships among body mass index, body image and physical performance in Italian adolescents

Introduction The prevalence of weight status disorders and body dissatisfaction is continually increasing in adolescents from European countries (Sanchez Cruz et al, 2013) (Eisenberg, Neumark-Sztainer, & Paxton, 2006). Physical capacities are related to body size. In particular, the weight status affects some motor and strength performances (Graf et al, 2004). Little is known, however, on how one\u2019s physical fitness affects the perception of his/her own body image. The objective of the present study was to determine the interrelationships among body mass index, body image perception and motor performance in Italian second grade school students. Methods The sample included 61 adolescents (35 boys and 26 girls) from Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, aged 16-17 years. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Body image perception was assessed using Body Silhouette Charts (Collins, 1991). Physical assessments included a standing broad jump, hand grip dynamometer test, sit and reach flexibility test, gross motor skill test, and shuttle run endurance test. Results The BMI was similar in girls (21.4 kg/m2, SD: 2.0) and boys (22.4, kg/m2; SD: 2.9). However, girls overestimated their actual figure, and showed a higher body dissatisfaction , as revealed by a larger difference between their desired and perceived body image. Boys performed better than girls in the standing broad jump, dynamometer, and shuttle run tests, while girls had a higher flexibility. When controlling for gender, BMI was negatively related to performance in the standing broad jump and gross motor skill tests. When controlling for both gender and BMI, performing better in the standing broad jump and shuttle run involved a thinner body perception. Discussion Self-perception of body image is affected, apart from the actual body size, even by one\u2019s aerobic and explosive strength capacity. Therefore, improving physical fitness may contribute to reduce body dissatisfaction in adolescents, by means of both loss of weight and change of perceived body image. References Sanchez Cruz et al. (2013). Rev Esp Cardiol. Doi: 10.1016/j.recesp.2012.10.016. Eisenberg, M. E., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Paxton, S. J. (2006). J Psychosomatic Res, 61, 521\u2013527. Graf et al. (2004). Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord, 28, 22-6. Collins M.E. (1991). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 10, 199-208