Relation of Physical Activity to Perceived Body Image in Young to Middle Aged Adults in Mississippi
Kennedy Nies, BA1, Trent Thompson2, Jennifer L. Lemacks, PhD, RD3, Tammy Greer, PhD3, Sermin Aras, MS, RD3
1Mississippi INBRE Outreach Scholar, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS
2Mississippi INBRE Outreach Scholar, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
3Mississippi INBRE Telenutrition Center, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
According to America’s Health Ranking, Mississippi adults have higher rates of physical inactivity (42%) and body mass (38.2%) in relation to the national averages (35.6% and 28.6%, respectively). Most research focuses on women and college students and dissatisfaction of body image in relation to physical activity. This purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and current body image among young to middle age Mississippi adults. Participants were adult residents of Mississippi between 25 to 50 years of age. Participants were recruited from outreach events at university and community settings. Data were collected using paper and pencil and electronic surveys and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Those who completed the survey were entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. Demographic variables, physical activity levels (based on number of days per week engaged in 30 minutes or more of physical activity) and current body weight (using Pulver’s body image scale, a self-selected image that best depicted their current body weight). A Pearson correlation showed a significant, negative association between physical activity levels and current body weight. Thus, individuals who engaged in more physical activity per week selected images that represented smaller body weights. This study examined how physical activity levels impact perceived current body weight.