Differences in Body Image Across Tertiles of Physical Activity and Resistance Training in Young Adults

Faculty Mentor

Katie Taylor, Kristyne Wiegand

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

4-14-2026 2:00 PM

End Date

4-14-2026 4:00 PM

Location

PUB NCR

Primary Discipline of Presentation

Exercise Science

Abstract

Approximately 25% of people experience body dissatisfaction which increases risk for mental health concerns such as eating disorders and depression. Previous research has suggested that body image may predict physical activity participation; however, less is known about how body image levels differ across differing levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and resistance training (RT). PURPOSE: To determine differences in body image scores across tertiles of MVPA and RT in young adults. METHODS: Young adults (n = 97; 24.0 ± 7.4 y; 60.8% female) completed an online survey that assessed levels of MVPA and RT, and body image using previously validated instruments. Tertiles were determined for volume of RT (T1: <90 mins/week; T2: 90 – 209 mins/week; T3: ≥210 mins/week) and volume of MVPA (T1: <150 mins/week; T2: 150 – 299 mins/week; T3: ≥300 mins/week). Data were analyzed using one-way independent ANCOVAs with body mass index (BMI) as a covariate (α = .05). RESULTS: After controlling for BMI, there were significant differences in the body image subscale, health fitness evaluation, across tertiles of RT (p < .001) and MVPA (p < .001). Those who engage in T3 of RT had a higher health fitness evaluation (11.9 ± 2.4) compared to those in T2 (10.0 ± 2.5; p = .01) and T1 (8.8 ± 2.7; p < .001). Additionally, those in T3 of MVPA had higher health fitness evaluation scores (11.5 ± 2.5) compared to T1 (8.1 ± 2.4; p < .001) and T2 (9.8 ± 2.1; p = .01). However, there were no differences in overall appearance, fatness evaluation, or health fitness influence subscales (p > .05). Additionally, there were significant differences in appearance motivations across tertiles of RT (p = .02) and tertiles of MVPA (p = .001). Appearance motivation was lower in T1 of RT (4.1 ± 1.8) than T3 (5.4 ± 1.6; p = .02). Appearance motivation was also lower in T1 of MVPA (3.6 ± 1.9) compared to T2 (4.9 ± 1.8; p = .04) and T3 (5.3 ± 1.4; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in higher levels of RT or MVPA shows more positive body image for health fitness evaluation and appearance motivation. However, there were no differences in other subscales. This suggests that engaging in higher levels of activity impacts some aspects of body image, but not all. Future research should explore how physical activity interventions may improve body image in young adults.

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Apr 14th, 2:00 PM Apr 14th, 4:00 PM

Differences in Body Image Across Tertiles of Physical Activity and Resistance Training in Young Adults

PUB NCR

Approximately 25% of people experience body dissatisfaction which increases risk for mental health concerns such as eating disorders and depression. Previous research has suggested that body image may predict physical activity participation; however, less is known about how body image levels differ across differing levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and resistance training (RT). PURPOSE: To determine differences in body image scores across tertiles of MVPA and RT in young adults. METHODS: Young adults (n = 97; 24.0 ± 7.4 y; 60.8% female) completed an online survey that assessed levels of MVPA and RT, and body image using previously validated instruments. Tertiles were determined for volume of RT (T1: <90 mins>/week; T2: 90 – 209 mins/week; T3: ≥210 mins/week) and volume of MVPA (T1: <150 mins>/week; T2: 150 – 299 mins/week; T3: ≥300 mins/week). Data were analyzed using one-way independent ANCOVAs with body mass index (BMI) as a covariate (α = .05). RESULTS: After controlling for BMI, there were significant differences in the body image subscale, health fitness evaluation, across tertiles of RT (p < .001) and MVPA (p < .001). Those who engage in T3 of RT had a higher health fitness evaluation (11.9 ± 2.4) compared to those in T2 (10.0 ± 2.5; p = .01) and T1 (8.8 ± 2.7; p < .001). Additionally, those in T3 of MVPA had higher health fitness evaluation scores (11.5 ± 2.5) compared to T1 (8.1 ± 2.4; p < .001) and T2 (9.8 ± 2.1; p = .01). However, there were no differences in overall appearance, fatness evaluation, or health fitness influence subscales (p > .05). Additionally, there were significant differences in appearance motivations across tertiles of RT (p = .02) and tertiles of MVPA (p = .001). Appearance motivation was lower in T1 of RT (4.1 ± 1.8) than T3 (5.4 ± 1.6; p = .02). Appearance motivation was also lower in T1 of MVPA (3.6 ± 1.9) compared to T2 (4.9 ± 1.8; p = .04) and T3 (5.3 ± 1.4; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in higher levels of RT or MVPA shows more positive body image for health fitness evaluation and appearance motivation. However, there were no differences in other subscales. This suggests that engaging in higher levels of activity impacts some aspects of body image, but not all. Future research should explore how physical activity interventions may improve body image in young adults.