Physical activity, body image and body mass index: Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), 2008-2010

INTRODUCTION:  The importance of physical activity (PA) is widely recognized, but millions of adults remain sedentary. The role of body image dissatisfaction and obesity on the practice of physical activity during leisure time might differ among men and women.

METHODS:  13,286 participants of ELSA-Brasil cohort, aged-35-65 years. PA assessed by IPAQ and categorized as low, moderate and intense. Nutritional status assessed by body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHR). Body image dissatisfaction was defined by the difference between self-reported body image and ideal body image using a validated silhouette scale. Multinomial logistic regression used to investigate whether body image dissatisfaction, obesity and central obesity are independently associated with PA, after controlling for age, schooling, income and common mental disorder. 

RESULTS:  Prevalence of moderate and intense PA was lower among women (11.8% and 8.0%) than men (13.7% and 11.9%). Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was present even among normal weight individuals of both sexes. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with smaller moderate PA in women and with intense PA in men. OR of moderate and high intensity PA was lower among those men and women with WHR=0.5. Overweight and obese men had higher chances of high intensity PA. Obese women had lower OR of engaging in intense PA.

CONCLUSIONS:  Body image as well as nutritional status is related to PA practice in both sexes, but the association differs according to PA intensity.