Body image and physical activity. A survey among Norwegian men and women

The study examines differences in body image between active and inactive people, and between active and inactive men and women. A random sample of 1555 Norwegians between the ages of 18 and 67 completed the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). In addition, body mass index and discrepancies between actual and desired weight (WDIS) and height (HDIS) were calculated The subjects were classified into inactive low-, moderate-, and high active men and women. Analyses showed that almost all groups of active men and women compared to their inactive counterparts, evaluated physical appearance, fitness, and health significantly better were significantly more satisfied with different parts of their bodies, and were significantly more concerned with fitness and health. Active men were significantly move satisfied with weight and height, and less concerned with weight than inactive men. No such differences were obtained among the groups of women. Moderate- and high active men and women evaluated their bodies better than low active men and women. Low- and moderate active men evaluated physical appearance, fitness, and health significantly better than low and moderate active women. No such gender differences were obtained among inactive and high active subjects. Women in all four groups were significantly move concerned with appearance, health, and weight, and were significantly less satisfied with weight and most parts of their bodies than their male counterparts.