Types of exercise and the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise behaviors

Body image dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise behaviors are two main factors in recognizing an eating disorder within active individuals. By examining types of exercise and trends within the general population, it may provide insight into how exercise plays a role in eating disorder symptoms and other mental health concerns.

We employed a cross-sectional study to examine our patient's exercise behaviors, compulsive exercise traits, and body image dissatisfaction. A total of 96 (35 males, 61 females) physically active adults (mmales 26.2±4.47 years, mfemales 25.6±5.13 years) completed a survey that included a modified version of the Body Image Concern subscale of the Body Change Questionnaire (BCQ) and the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire (OEQ).

The average scores between males and females on the BCQ and OEQ were not statistically different from one another. Strength and aerobic training did not correlate with BCQ scores. There was no correlation between OEQ scores and any of the three exercise methods. A positive correlation existed between OEQ scores and the frequency of workouts per week (r=0.568, P<0.001). Only females demonstrated negative correlations between BCQ scores and mixed-method training (r=-2.54, P=0.049) and between BCQ scores and the frequency of workouts per week (r=-2.57, P=0.046).

Our findings demonstrate the importance of addressing body image dissatisfaction for all populations, regardless of gender. Athletic trainers can utilize mixed-method training to help at-risk individuals train without increasing their body dissatisfaction symptoms.