A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions that target the intersection of body image and movement among girls and women

Body image concerns and disengagement from movement-based activities are intertwined and disproportionately higher among girls and women, relative to boys and men. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined interventions targeting the intersection of body image and movement experiences among girls and women. A systematic search until February 14, 2023 yielded 8,101 papers; 31 randomized controlled trials were included. Outcomes included body image, movement behavior, and fitness. Most studies evaluated movement-based interventions (k = 29) and were deemed medium (k = 13) to high (k = 12) risk of bias. The meta-analysis indicated a small, significant improvement in body image at post-test (d+ = 0.181, p < .001, 95%CI: + 0.074, + 0.288) but not follow-up (d+ = 0.017, 95%CI: -0.123, + 0.157). The effect size for fitness (d+ = 0.720, p < .001, 95%CI: + .393, + 1.051), but not movement (d+ = 0.036, 95%CI: -0.088, + 0.161), was significant at post-test. Effect sizes were largest for studies with unimodal and atheoretical interventions, participants in mid-to-late adulthood, small sample sizes, active and waitlist controls, and those deemed as high risk of bias. Higher quality research is needed on the intersection of body image and movement, particularly if problematic disparities in girls' and women's body image concerns and movement participation are to be remedied.