Search Results (28)

Background/Objectives: Hispanic adolescents experience elevated rates of disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction, yet limited research has examined how gender and weight status interact to shape these risks within this population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 680 Hispanic adolescents (ages 9–15) from a predominantly Mexican-American middle school. Participants completed the Modified Kids Eating Disorder Survey (M-KEDS), and height and weight were objectively measured to determine BMI-for-age percentile. Chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and logistic regression were used to assess differences by gender and weight status, including interaction effects. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes (Cramér’s V, odds ratios with 95% CI) were reported. Results: Approximately 73% of participants reported body dissatisfaction, with significant differences observed by gender and weight status. Adolescents with overweight/obesity reported significantly higher negative weight attitudes and extreme weight control behaviors than healthy-weight peers (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. Females endorsed more disordered attitudes and behaviors, except for exercise to lose weight, which was more common among overweight/obese males. Conclusions: These findings underscore the high prevalence and significance of disordered eating behaviors in Hispanic adolescents, including those at a healthy weight. Results highlight the importance of culturally tailored, gender-sensitive screening and prevention strategies. Schools serve as critical settings for early identification, and tools like the M-KEDS can help address disparities in care access and improve outcomes among Hispanic youth. Full article

Background and Objectives: The associations between body appreciation, weight status, and weight management practices are influenced by societal, cultural, and psychological factors. Studies indicated that a higher level of body appreciation is linked to lower engagement in unhealthy weight management practices. The transition from high school to university is a significant life event, often accompanied by substantial lifestyle changes that can affect students’ body image and weight-related behaviours. This study aimed to assess the associations between body appreciation, weight status, and weight management behaviours among first-year students at four universities of applied sciences in Lithuania. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2022 among 709 first-year students (216 males and 493 females) at the four largest universities of applied sciences in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Šiauliai. Body appreciation was assessed using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), whilst BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Students were asked about their weight management practices. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate associations between weight management behaviours, body appreciation, and weight status. Results: Female students had a significantly lower median BMI (21.1 kg/m²) than males (23.3 kg/m²) but were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight (34.5% vs. 17.1%), worry about gaining weight (40.6% vs. 11.6%), and attempt weight loss (52.5% vs. 23.6%) (all p < 0.001). Higher BAS scores were associated with greater accuracy in weight perception, higher satisfaction with body weight, and fewer concerns about weight gain. Students with lower BAS scores were more likely to engage in harmful weight-control behaviours such as smoking (OR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02–0.25 for high vs. low BAS) and were more strongly influenced by media beauty standards and dissatisfaction with appearance. Conclusions: Body appreciation is linked to healthier weight perceptions and behaviours. Interventions that enhance body appreciation may help reduce body dissatisfaction and prevent unhealthy weight control practices, especially among female students. Full article

Background: The harmonious development of gross motor skills (GMSs) is vital for children, fostering their physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth. This study aimed to achieve three primary objectives: (1) to establish standardized reference values for all GMS tests conducted; (2) to examine the impact of overweight and obesity on factors influencing the development of GMSs and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); and (3) to investigate the relationship between GMSs and CRF levels and body image dissatisfaction among Canadian children from the province of Québec. Methods: The study encompassed 3144 children aged 6 to 12 years (1535 boys and 1609 girls) recruited from 24 elementary schools situated in five urban areas. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, body height, and body mass index (BMI). Physical performance was assessed using a maximal aerobic power test and 12 GMS tests, which comprised two segmental speed tests, four agility tests, two static balance tests, one simple reaction time test, and three coordination tests. Body perception and body image dissatisfaction were evaluated using a silhouette scale featuring two sets of nine drawings depicting a spectrum of body shapes ranging from very thin to obese. Results: Standardized normative values were established for each GMS test. GMSs demonstrated continuous improvement throughout childhood, albeit with a deceleration in progress during later developmental stages. At comparable age, boys generally outperformed girls on tests demanding greater strength, speed, or endurance, whereas girls exhibited superior performance in balance and hand–foot coordination tasks (p ≤ 0.05). However, segmental speed remained equivalent between sexes (p > 0.05). GMS and CRF were significantly influenced by obesity status. Children with a normal BMI demonstrated superior performance compared to their overweight or obese counterparts, particularly in tests requiring body mass displacement (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, socioeconomic status exhibited no significant impact on body perception in boys (p = 0.106), but it was a notable factor among 6–8-year-old girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Obesity status is linked to diminished GMS performance, especially in tasks involving body mass movement. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies to encourage an active lifestyle and promote a healthy body composition in children. Full article

Background: The obesity epidemic among adolescents significantly impacts not only their physical health but also various psychological factors, including their perception of body image. Thus, this study pursued three main objectives: (1) to update the reference standard values for all the physical fitness tests performed; (2) to examine the impact of overweight and obesity on factors influencing physical fitness in adolescents; and (3) to determine the relationship between the physical fitness level and the body image dissatisfaction among a population of French-Canadian adolescents. Methods: A total of 1862 adolescents aged 12 to 17 (1008 boys and 854 girls) participated in this study. Data were collected from 12 French-language high-schools from different socioeconomic backgrounds and spread across four regions of the province of Québec, Canada. Anthropometric measures (body mass, body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio) and fitness tests (aerobic power, anaerobic power, muscle endurance, muscular power, flexibility) were conducted. To assess adolescents’ body perception, a silhouette scale was used. Results: Standardized normative values were established for each fitness test (Lambda Mu Sigma; LMS method). In boys, performance generally improved with age, except for the V-test and sit-ups, which remained stable, and VO₂peak, which declined during adolescence in both genders (unpaired t-test and Cohen’s d effect size). In girls, only the vertical jump and 30 m sprint improved with age, while the other tests stabilized by age 13. Fitness level was significantly influenced by obesity status. Boys and girls with a normal BMI performed better than those who were overweight or obese (ANOVA = p < 0.001 and effect size F). Girls appeared to be less affected by obesity status, with differences between overweight and obese groups rarely being significant (p > 0.05). Fitness level was also linked to body satisfaction, with satisfied adolescents generally achieving better scores than dissatisfied ones, even among those with a typical BMI. Socioeconomic status did not impact body image perception in boys (p = 0.351). In contrast, girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds exhibited significantly more negative perceptions (p = 0.002) than their peers from more affluent families. Conclusions: Obesity status is strongly associated with poorer performance on fitness tests. Conversely, higher levels of physical fitness are linked to improved body image satisfaction. This positive relationship between fitness and body image holds true even for individuals with a healthy body weight (typical BMI). Full article

Background: The aim of the research is to explore the relationship between psychological factors and nutritional status in adolescence. The issue of adolescent nutrition is related to several psychological problems, as well as to developmental changes during this period. Research on body image dissatisfaction has confirmed that most adolescents are dissatisfied with their bodies. Developmentally oriented scientists are unique in their approach to explaining the problem of body image, focusing on multiple aspects and attempting to understand the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that are important for the formation of body image. Methods: The sample included 260 adolescents aged 11 to 15. The assessment of sociodemographic factors, emotional states, physical activity levels, and eating habits was included in the questionnaires filled out by the parents (DASS-21 and the Physical Activity & Nutrition Behaviors Monitoring Form questionnaire). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on information about the height and weight of the adolescents. Results: The results of the correlation between psychological characteristics and BMI indicate a negative low correlation with all psychological aspects: depression (r = −0.25; p < 0.05), anxiety (r = −0.30; p < 0.05), and stress (r = −0.28; p < 0.05). Over 70% of adolescents are classified in the category of normal BMI. Conclusions: The results indicate that subjects who are of normal weight experience less pronounced depression, anxiety, and stress. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate whether the type and degree of physical activity commitment (i.e., team sport athletes, highly active individuals, sedentary behavior) influence body image and exercise behavior. A total of 96 participants (46 women and 50 men; age: 22.7 ± 2.7 years; height: 170 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 67.6 ± 10.8 kg) were divided in six groups: female volleyball and male football players (student athletes classified as Tier 2), highly physically active women and men, with high sitting time completed the Body Image Dimensional Assessment and the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale to evaluate body dissatisfaction and level of dependency on exercise. The Body Image Dimensional Assessment is a silhouette-based scale, where three direct indices are derived from the participants’ responses: body dissatisfaction, sexual body dissatisfaction, and comparative body dissatisfaction. The Exercise Dependence Scale is a six-point Likert scale that evaluates seven dimensions of exercise dependence (tolerance, withdrawal, intention effects, lack of control, time, reductions in other activities, and continuance) and provides an overall score. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of different levels of physical activity, team sport participation (volleyball and football), and sedentary behavior (i.e., high sitting time) on participants’ body image indices and dimensions of exercise dependence according to sex. Volleyball players showed significantly higher body dissatisfaction than football players (d = 0.99) and the physically active men group (d = 2.31), who had lower values than sedentary women group (d = 1.68). Football players had lower comparative body dissatisfaction values than volleyball players (d = 1.70) and sedentary women (d = 1.69), who had higher values than sedentary men (d = 1.04). Sedentary women had a significantly lower exercise dependence scale score than volleyball players (d = 1.71), football players (d = 1.12), and physically active men (d = 1.21). The findings highlight the impact of regular physical activity on body dissatisfaction and the variance in body image perceptions between the sexes. Moreover, the high exercise dependence values found in volleyball and football players and physically active men suggest an effect of intense training and maladaptive exercise behaviors, underlining the need for comprehensive strategies to address exercise dependence. Full article

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being. Full article

In recent years, physical activity levels among youths have declined significantly. This has led to a decline in adherence to physical activity recommendations. In this sense, physical education offers an ideal environment that contributes positively to improving adherence to physical activity recommendations, as it teaches students movement-related skills and knowledge. The objective of the present research was to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels, body composition, fitness in Physical Education, and body dissatisfaction levels, and to analyse sex differences in relation to the study variables. The sample was formed of 1166 participants from the 1st and 2nd secondary compulsory education, of which 642 were boys (age 13.16 ± 0.91), and 524 girls (age 13.08 ± 0.85). The measure of physical activity was the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Body composition was assessed using weight and height to calculate their body mass index. Cardiorespiratory capacity was assessed using the Course-Navette test in Physical Education lessons. The results showed the relationship between physical activity and body mass index, cardiorespiratory capacity, and body satisfaction. It was also confirmed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower body mass index, improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower levels of body dissatisfaction to a greater extent in boys than in girls. The study concludes that improvements in the study variables were associated with increased physical activity. In addition, it seems necessary to promote healthy lifestyles in physical education lessons, especially during adolescence, as they could serve as a gateway for the improvement of health-related fitness in future generations. Increasing the amount of physical activity among young people is vital. Therefore, it would be essential to develop intervention programs in physical education classes, especially during adolescence, aimed at promoting and increasing physical activity and its benefits. Full article

COVID-19 infection has caused increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several strategies have been adopted around the world to prevent its spread. Italy underwent a long lockdown for face-to-face educational activities, which were replaced with online classes. This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the effects of COVID-19 prevention measures on physical growth and body image perception in a sample of Italian adolescents who experienced the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020. In particular, we wished to ascertain how lifestyle changes had affected their growth rates and health. Special attention was paid to increases in adiposity indicators (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio) and weight caused by reduced physical activity, and consequent possible dissatisfaction with body image. We assessed the impact of school closures by comparing the annual growth rate and body image perception changes of adolescents (n = 60; age = 11.3 ± 0.4 years) who experienced this isolation with those in the following years who did not experience these restrictions (n = 68; age = 11.4 ± 0.3 years). As a consequence of the lockdown, our results indicate a greater annual growth rate in weight and other indices of adiposity (p < 0.05). As the virus is continuing to evolve and propagate, larger population studies can verify and confirm our findings. In promoting health policy to prevent the ongoing prevalence of obesity in adolescents, an accurate assessment of whether the increase in obesity rates during the pandemic is to be considered a temporary trend is highly recommended. Full article

This secondary data analysis study aimed to examine the associations between 1) body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) and 2) lifestyle behaviors and BSP and BSD in adolescents. The study pooled cross-sectional data from two studies (n = 301) performed in adolescents. Weight and height were measured, while lifestyle behaviors and perceived actual and desired body size variables were self-reported. Linear regression analysis assessed the contribution of sex and zBMI to BSP and BSD scores. Pearson’s correlation explored associations between BSP and BSD. Cohen’s effect sizes compared satisfied and dissatisfied adolescents within the underestimators subgroup. A positive association between BSP and BSD scores was observed among girls living with normal-weight and overweight/obesity only (r = 0.26; p ≤ 0.001 and r = 0.38; p < 0.05, respectively). Underestimators who were satisfied with their body size showed a moderate effect size for a lower zBMI, a small effect size for lower screen time, and higher sleep duration compared to dissatisfied underestimators. Underestimation was associated with more body size satisfaction in adolescent girls with normal weight and overweight/obesity, suggesting a protective effect of underestimation. These findings support the hypothesis that body size satisfaction and underestimation in adolescents is associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors. Full article

Body image (BI) is a multidimensional construct that refers to one’s perceptions of and attitudes toward one’s own physical characteristics. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage in which concerns about BI increase. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate body image and aesthetic body shape standards in a sample of middle school students living in China. The researchers gathered demographic information, as well as height and weight data, for their study. They used a body silhouette to assess body image perception and body shape aesthetics and calculated two indexes: BIP, which measures the accuracy of self-perception and the estimation of bodily dimensions, and BIS, which indicates the difference between an individual’s perceived and ideal body images. A total of 1585 students in three grades at two middle schools were included in the study (759 = female, mean age = 13.67 ± 0.90; 839 = male, mean age = 13.70 ± 0.90). The results showed that the BIP bias rate of middle school students was 55.7%, and the BI dissatisfaction rate was 81.0%. Females tended to overestimate their body shape and desire to be thinner compared to males. Students with a higher BMI grading were more prone to underestimating their body shape and aspiring to be thinner. Furthermore, 8.6% of students chose underweight as the ideal body type for boys, while 22.6% chose underweight as the ideal body type for girls. In conclusion, there are significant gender differences in the aesthetic standards of body shape, and adolescents believe that for women, a thin body shape is beautiful. Full article

Body dissatisfaction (BD) is an important public health issue as it negatively influences the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of children/early adolescents. Available measures of BD for this population are scarce, have a significant bias, or only evaluate weight-related dissatisfaction. This study, through the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), aims to develop and validate the Italian (Study 1) and Spanish (Study 2) versions of a new tool, the Body Image Bidimensional Assessment (BIBA), which is not subject to sex–age–race biases and is able to identify BD related to weight and height among children/early adolescents. Study 3 regards the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), testing the measurement of invariance across sex and country. The BIBA has a two-factor structure (i.e., weight and height dissatisfaction) according to studies 1 and 2. McDonald’s ω ranged from 0.73 (weight) and 0.72 (height) with good reliability. CFA confirmed the two-factor model as a good fit for the Italian and Spanish samples. Finally, partial metric and scalar invariance of the BIBA dimensions across sexes and nations emerged. The BIBA has proven to be an easy-to-use tool that identifies two BD dimensions among children/early adolescents who could benefit from prompt educational interventions. Full article

Most perimeter zones are thermally susceptible to the variation of outdoor conditions, especially due to a large amount of heat gain through glazing. To reduce heat gain, spandrel panels are generally installed in curtain walls of commercial buildings. For the present study, thermal performance in an office located in the perimeter zone was investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. By varying the spandrel panel heights, thermal comfort was assessed quantitatively. The findings suggest that when the spandrel panel height was 0 m, the highest temperature was observed in all cases. As the height of the spandrel panel was increased, the temperature decreased. For thermal comfort evaluation, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) values at 1.5 m from the floor in all cases were larger than zero. PMV values in all cases were within the range of slightly cool to warm. When the spandrel panel height was 0 m, the highest thermal sensation (warm) among the cases was observed, which may cause thermal dissatisfaction for occupants. In addition, thermal comfort was deemed satisfactory based on the criteria of ASHRAE standard 55, when the height of the spandrel panel was higher than 0.6 m. Full article

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents, as adolescence represents a time of intense and rapid change. This cross-sectional study assessed the difference in body image perception by sex, weight status and sports practice in a sample of Italians aged 13–18 years. For this purpose, we considered a sample of 140 adolescents subdivided into two groups: a group of sports-playing teenagers practicing volleyball (39 males and 26 females), and a group of teenagers not actively involved in sports (24 males and 51 females). Body mass index (BMI), body image variables, and sports practice were examined. Due to COVID-19 limitations, height and weight were self-reported and BMI was calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in meters). Body image perception was assessed by the short version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14) and by the Stunkard Body Silhouette Chart. Two-way ANCOVAs adjusted for age were performed to test the differences between sexes and sports groups. Adolescent volleyball players had a lower incidence of weight disorders. Weight status significantly differed between those who played sports and those who did not, but there was no significant difference in weight status between sexes. On the whole, sports players and males showed higher results than non-sports players and females. The highest level of body image dissatisfaction was found in non-sports-playing females, while sports-playing males showed the lowest. The present study confirms the positive link between sport and body image and can be of support to lead adolescents to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. Further research is needed to validate our findings through a longitudinal study during the entire period of adolescence. In addition, it would be interesting to validate the results on a larger sample, also taking into account socio-demographic variables and including athletes engaged in different types of sports. Full article

At present, it is striking that a large percentage of occupational accidents in the construction sector are still caused by falls from height. Therefore, curbing the severe personal, social and economic consequences of these events is not only a commitment but an obligation for all stakeholders in the construction sector. After a review of current fall protection systems on construction sites, the purpose of this study is to establish the preliminary requirements for the design, development and prototyping of a new system which can be used as an auxiliary means to prevent occupational accidents in the construction sector caused by fall hazards at height. Based on the design science research (DSR) methodology, this paper tests the capability of alternative materials (metals, plastics and composites) to withstand the loads required by the regulatory standard UNE-EN 13374:2013+A1:2019 and looks at the improvements they can offer. The results obtained enable new metals and composite materials to be put forward, based on their suitability to the parameters of the risks of falling from height, ensuring that the greatest number of potential situations are addressed. Then, the needs to be satisfied and requirements to be met are listed, prioritised and considered for new temporary edge protection systems (TEPS). Next, the attributes that increase user satisfaction and/or reduce user dissatisfaction are filtered by means of a Kano model, which is applied thanks to the responses of construction designers, coordinators and supervisors. Once these questions are solved, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is performed by a focus group, weighing the Kano contributions and ranking the materials to be selected for the preliminary design of innovative TEPS for construction works. After considering safety, ergonomics, adaptability, sustainability, efficiency, manufacturability and flexibility criteria, the basis for the design of a new temporary edge protection system is established. Full article