[The importance of physical activity and body mass index for body satisfaction]

Body satisfaction has mostly been investigated among patients with psychiatric diseases. A few studies have found an association between physical activity, obesity and body satisfaction in the healthy population, but the focus has mostly been on the risk of developing diseases. The aim of the present study has been to study the association between body satisfaction, BMI, physical activity and chronic diseases.

A total of 15,252 women and 14,181 men born between 1953 and 1982 (both years included) and registered with The Danish Twin Registry answered a questionnaire which they were sent in 1994. We used the questions on chronic diseases, height and weight, physical activity and body satisfaction. Univariat analysis of body satisfaction and the other variables was carried out using chi2-tests and t-tests. Multivariat analysis was carried out with logistic regression.

More men than women are satisfied with their bodies; BMI confers a negative association, while physical activity confers a positive association with body satisfaction. This satisfaction appears to some degree mediated by BMI. The presence of asthma and other lung symptoms and lower-back pain was negatively associated with body satisfaction.

Thinness tends to be the ideal body image today and this may explain why more obese people are dissatisfied with their body. This ideal is more important for women s perception of their bodies. Physical activity and being healthy adds to body satisfaction.