Smartphone Addiction and Related Factors among Athletes.

Smartphone addiction (SA) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the level of SA in athletes affiliated to the Turkish Handball Federation in Izmir and to examine its relationship with factors such as sociodemographic status, health status, eating attitude, and body perception. This cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2021 in Izmir Province. The sample of the study consisted of 212 licensed handball athletes. The short SA scale, three-factor nutrition scale, and body perception scale were used. A chi-square test was used for bivariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate comparisons. The study was completed with 202 individuals (the coverage rate was 95.3%). The prevalence of SA was found to be 27.7%. The risk of SA increased 2.49-fold (CI: 1.17-5.31, p = 0.018) in female participants, 2.01-fold (CI: 1.01-4.06, p = 0.048) in participants with alcohol use, 2.17-fold (CI: 1.04-4.58, p = 0.042) in participants with low nutritional scores, 2.65-fold (CI: 1.15-6.10, p = 0.022) in individuals with high-income status, and 2.66-fold (CI: 1.07-6.64, p = 0.036) in individuals with high body perception scale score. In total, 27.7% of the athlete sample had scores above the SA threshold. These results point out that a behavioral addiction such as SA can occur even in professionals of an activity such as sports, known for beneficial effects in terms of healthy life.

The effect of nutrition education sessions on energy availability, body composition, eating attitude and sports nutrition knowledge in young female endurance athletes.

Nutrition knowledge plays a pivotal role in shaping dietary habits and food choices, particularly in the realm of sports nutrition. This study investigates the effects of a series of nutrition education sessions conducted by a registered dietitian on energy availability, various anthropometric measurements, eating attitudes, and sports nutrition knowledge in young female endurance athletes aged 15-18 years (football, basketball, volleyball) who engage in training for more than 10 h per week (n = 83). Participants were randomly divided into two groups with 45 individuals receiving six physical nutrition education lectures, and the remaining 38 participants receiving no nutrition education. Participants completed the low energy availability in females questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SNKQ). Energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated through 3-day food records, while exercise energy expenditure was assessed using 3-day activity logs. All of the questionnaires were repeated after 6 months. At baseline, the prevalence of LEA among athletes was determined to be 63.8%. In the intervention group, energy availability (EA) and SNKQ scores increased, and LEAF-Q scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in EAT-26 scores between the two groups. Energy intake, weight, fat-free mass, and resting metabolic rate have been increased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0,05). These findings suggest that nutrition education proves beneficial in enhancing dietary intake, positively influencing body composition, and improving nutrition knowledge, ultimately contributing to increased energy availability in female athletes over the short term.

The relationship among positive body image, body esteem, and eating attitude in Iranian population.

Background and aim: The correlation between eating attitudes, positive body image, and body esteem is a pivotal area of research that has garnered substantial attention in recent years, given its implications for both mental and physical well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the interplay between positive body image, body esteem, and eating attitudes within an Iranian population. Materials and methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study design and was conducted in the year 2022. A convenience sample of 752 participants residing in Tehran, Iran, was included in the study. The data collection tools were comprised of a demographic registration form, the Adolescence/Adults Scale (PBIAS), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and the Body Esteem Scale (BES) as measurement instruments. Results: Mean age of participants was 26.36 (SD = 8.49). Significant relationships were found among positive body image (B = - 0.095, ß = -0.150, p < 0.001), and body esteem (B = 0.175, ß = 0.149, p < 0.001) with eating attitudes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that individuals with positive body image and high body esteem may have healthier eating attitudes, while those with negative body image and low body esteem may be more likely to have unhealthy eating attitudes.

Assessing the factor structure of the Eating Attitude Test-26 among undergraduate students in Malaysia.

The objective of this study was to assess the factor structure of the 26-item Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) among 1,084 undergraduate students in Malaysia. The initial findings indicated a lack of support for the proposed three-factor structure. Model modifications were made due to the inadequate initial fit. The fit of the model was significantly improved by excluding items with factor loadings below 0.40 and integrating residual covariances. In conclusion, it is necessary to make contextual modifications to the EAT-26 in order to effectively utilize it among Malaysian undergraduates. This highlights the significance of cultural adaptations in psychological instruments.

Do cooking and food preparation skills affect healthy eating in college students?

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between food and cooking skills and healthy eating attitudes in college students. The demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, attitudes toward healthy eating, and cooking and food preparation skills were questioned. 16.2% of the students have moderate, 63.5% high, and 20.3% ideally high attitudes toward healthy eating. While a positive and significant correlation was found between the total score and sub-factor scores of the "Cooking Skills and Food Skills" scale and the total score of the "Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition"; a negative statistically significant correlation was found between the total score and sub-factor scores of the "Cooking Skills and Food Skills" scale and the frequency of consumption of fast-food, processed meat products, packaged foods, and bread types (p < .05). Cooking and food preparation skills seem to be positively associated with healthy attitudes and habits. Considering this positive association, interventions to improve food and cooking skills may help promote healthy eating attitudes in college students. Developing these skills can shed light on increasing the frequency of cooking at home, consuming healthier foods, and as a result, providing a healthy eating attitude. Therefore, more comprehensive intervention studies are needed in this area.

Eating attitude in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The relationship between pain, body mass index, disease activity, functional status, depression, anxiety and quality of life.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between eating attitude and pain, body mass index, disease activity, functional status, depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 RA patients between January 2021 and May 2021. FINDINGS: The Eating Attitudes Test scores of the participants had a positive significant relationship with their Visual Analog Scale scores (r = 0.257), Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (r = 0.221), Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (r = 0.287), Beck Depression Inventory scores (p = 0.224), and Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale scores (r = 0.298) (p < 0.05). This study showed that when the eating attitudes of the RA patients were negative, their anxiety and depression levels increased, and their quality of life was negatively affected. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In the positive management of depression and anxiety, by creating treatment guidelines, the moderation of the eating attitudes of patients and increasing their quality of life levels should be ensured.

The mediating effect of sense of coherence in the relationship between eating attitudes and self-esteem in adolescents.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of a sense of coherence (SOC) in the relationship between eating attitudes and self-esteem in adolescents. METHODS: The study was conducted in a descriptive-correlational exploratory design. The sample of the study consisted of 1175 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were obtained by the researchers using personal information form, the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). RESULTS: SOC-13 mean score was 50.21 ± 11.06, EAT-26 mean score was 14.53 ± 10.17, and RSES mean score was 4.17 ± 1.66. It was found that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the mean scores of RSES and the EAT, a positive relationship between the mean scores of the RSES and SOC, and a negative relationship between the mean scores of EAT and SOC. Moreover, the mediating role of SOC was found to be moderate. Furthermore, 4.5% of adolescents' SOC scores are explained by eating attitude. On the other hand, 16.4% of self-esteem scores are explained by eating attitude and SOC. CONCLUSION: As a result of this study, it was determined that students' SOC moderately mediated the relationship between eating attitude and self-esteem. At the same time, eating attitude had a direct predictive effect on self-esteem.

Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food that causes someone to change their eating habits and behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of EDs and their associated factors among female going-school adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, among a representative random sample of female adolescent students aged 13 years old-18 years old. A simple random sampling method was used to select the participants. An online self-administered questionnaire, the Arabic version of eating attitude test (EAT-26) and socio-cultural attitudes toward appearance questionnaire (SATAQ-4), was used. Results: More than half (53.6%) of adolescent girls scored at or above the cut-off point of EAT-26. Around 45% of the participants had experienced family influence on their appearance and body shape, 36.7% had experienced peer influence on these factors, and 49.4% had experienced media influence. Family influence was significantly associated with EDs (P = 0.013). Conclusion: The high prevalence of EDs among female going-school adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is of great concern. To mitigate this problem, effective programmes must be designed to change their dietary habits while considering the effects of family, peer and media influence, as well as focusing on the importance of eating breakfast and practising physical activity.

A factor that can yield to eating attitude disorders in university students: Self-esteem.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of eating attitude disorder (EAD) and the effect of self-esteem on EAD in female university students.Study Design: In this cross-sectional study, female university students were included. The dependent variable was EAD determined by Eating Attitude Test-40. Socio-demographic characteristics, body perception, obesity, self-compassion and self-esteem were independent variables. Logistic regression (LR) models have been established to determine the associated factors of EAD. p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: EAD were found in 3.3% (n = 20) of the participants (n = 600). 44.5% had low and medium self-esteem and %13.4 were overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0). According to LR models, after adjusted for age, increased self-esteem score (decreased self-esteem) (OR:1.8, 95%CI:1.063-3.303) and practicing popular diet (OR:12.6, 95%CI:4.439-35.904) increased the risk of EAD significantly.Conclusion: EAD were less than expected in this group of university students. Self-esteem is an important factor affecting EAD. Students with EAD may be recommended to get psychological support as well as nutritional counseling.

The association between social media addiction and orthorexia nervosa, eating attitudes, and body image among adolescents.

AIM: This study was planned to determine the relationship between social media addiction and orthorexia nervosa (ON), eating attitude and body image among adolescents. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1232 high school-going adolescents. Data were collected using the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents, Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), Body Image Scale (BIS) and ORTO-11 questionnaire. RESULTS: Social media addiction levels were higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a better body image was associated with lower social media addiction scores (ß = - 0.268, p < 0.001). Social media addiction was significantly associated with a greater risk of eating behavior disorders (OR: 1.07, 95% Cl: 1.04-1.10) and ON tendency (OR: 1.02, 95% Cl = 1.00-1.04). Adolescents who stated that they always or often read nutrition-related posts on social media had an increased likelihood of eating behavior disorder risk (OR: 6.77, 95% CI: 3.84-11.94) and ON tendency (OR: 5.49, 95% CI: 3.39-8.88). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that social media addiction was associated with a higher eating behavior disorder risk, ON tendency and lower body image. Moreover, frequent reading of posts about nutrition on social media was positively associated with ON tendency and eating behavior risk. These results highlight that adolescents should be educated about social media use and its content to minimize the negative effects of constant exposure to unrealistic body images and nutrition-related misinformation and reduce the risk of eating disorders and ON among adolescents. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Investigation of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament and eating attitude in adults.

BACKGROUND: Current research on eating attitude has focused primarily on female perspective (Kapoor et al. in J Educ Health Promot 11(80):1-7, 2022; Piko et al. in J Prev Med Hyg. 63(1):83-89, 2022). To extend cross-gender approaches, this study aimed to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament, and eating attitude and to see whether these three concepts differ between men and women. METHODS: The sample group consists of a total of 308 participants, 206 (66.9%) women and 102 (33.1%) men, living in Bursa and participating in the research voluntarily. In the study, Sociodemographic Data Form was used to obtain personal information of the participants, Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 was used to evaluate early maladaptive schemas, Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San-Diego Autoquestionnaire was used to evaluate temperament characteristics and Eating Attitude Test was used to evaluate eating attitudes. RESULTS: As a result of the study, a moderate and positive relationship was found between the Defectiveness, Emotional Inhibition, Enmeshment/Dependence, Failure, Abandonment, Vulnerability to Harm or Illness, Negativity/Pessimism schemas and eating attitude. Among these schemas, Defectiveness was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. A weak and positive relationship was found between the scores obtained from the Eating Attitude Test and Cyclothymic and Irritable temperaments, and a moderate positive relationship with Anxious temperament. Among these temperaments, Anxious temperament was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. CONCLUSIONS: When the results were examined, a relationship was observed between early maladaptive schemas and temperament types, and this relationship was examined in detail. The results obtained at the end of the study were discussed and suggestions were made for future studies.

This study examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament, eating attitude and the effect of gender variable on these concepts in adults. Early maladaptive schemas are basic mental constructs that occur as a result of negative experiences early in life. Temperament is a long-term, often life-long structural traits that change little throughout an individual's life. Eating attitude is the tendency that creates an individual's feelings, thoughts and behaviors related to eating and nutrition. Disruptions in eating attitudes can lead to eating disorders. Results revealed a relationship between Defectiveness, Emotional Inhibition, Enmeshment/Dependence, Failure, Abandonment, Vulnerability to Harm or Illness, Negativity/Pessimism schemas and eating attitude. Among schemas, Defectiveness was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. Among temperaments, Anxious temperament was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. Additionally, a relationship was found between early maladaptive schemas and temperament types. This relationship sheds light on the relationship between the development and treatment of eating disorders.

Relationship between suicide risk, and violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents: a comparative study.

Although adolescent suicide rates increase significantly, the suicide risk and associated factors in working adolescents is generally neglected. In the present study, it was aimed to determine suicide risk and related factors such as violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents. This case-control study was conducted with 325 adolescents (161 working adolescents, 164 non-working adolescents) between November 2018 and January 2019, in Turkey. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Suicide Probability Scale, Violence Tendency Scale and Eating Attitude Test. In the study, the suicide risk was significantly higher in working adolescents (80.79 ± 29.99) than in non-working adolescents (71.90 ± 26.46). Also, working adolescents were determined to be at more risk in terms of violence tendency, eating disorder and substance use than were non-working adolescents. According to linear regression analysis, sex, mother's attitude, presence of a physical or mental illness, alcohol use, violence tendency and eating attitude were statistically significant predictive factors of suicide risk in working adolescents. Researchers, healthcare professionals, educators and policymakers have important responsibilities to improve the mental health of working adolescents.

Eating psychopathology in ballet dancers: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether ballet dancers have higher eating psychopathology mean scores than the general population. METHODS: Meta-analysis of cross-sectional observational studies comparing the scores of one or more of the validated eating psychopathological scales between ballet dancers and any control groups. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the metanalysis. Ballet dancers had a significantly higher EAT score (12 studies retrieved, SMD 0.82 [95% CI 0.44-1.19], p < 0.00001, I2 = 84)]; subgroup analysis suggested a possible role of control subjects' choice in explaining heterogeneity. Scores on the EDI subscales of Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body dissatisfaction were available from four studies; Drive for Thinness was higher in ballet dancers (SMD 0.62 [0.01, 1.22]), as well as the Bulimia scale (SMD 0.38 [0.02, 0.73], p = 0.04) and the Body Dissatisfaction scale (SMD 0.34 [0.15, 0.53]). Data on Perfectionism, Interpersonal problems, Ineffectiveness, and Maturity fears, were available from three studies. Higher scores in Perfectionism (SMD 0.68 [0.24, 1.12] p = 0.02), Interpersonal problems (SMD 0.24 [0.02, 0.47], in Inefficacy, (SMD 2.18 [1.31, 3.06]) were found for ballet dancers; on the other hand, Maturity fears scores were not significantly different between ballet dancers and controls (IV-MD = 0.15 [- 0.07, 0.36]). Seven studies reported tests not performed elsewhere. DISCUSSION: Ballet dancers show a higher level of restriction and drive for thinness than controls, and they may be, therefore, at higher risk for the development of eating disorders. Available studies do not allow the discrimination of dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors from adaptive responses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I (evidence obtained from systematic reviews and meta-analyses).

Delay discounting, time perspective, and self-schemas in adolescent alcohol drinking and disordered eating behaviors.

Delay discounting, time perspective, and self-schemas are well-known predictors of health risk behaviors among adolescents. However, the associations between these constructs and their influence on such behaviors are yet to be examined. This study aimed to determine the relationships among three cognitive constructs, namely, delay discounting, time perspective, and self-schemas, and determine the associations of these constructs with alcohol drinking (alcohol use and alcohol problems) and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents. Participants were 436 eighth-graders from three public junior high schools in southern Taiwan, who answered an anonymous questionnaire assessing self-schema, delay discounting, time perspective, and health risk behaviors. Generalized linear models with robust estimation were performed to estimate the effects; gender was the covariate. Delay discounting was associated with alcohol use (OR = 1.15), but not alcohol problems and disordered eating behaviors. Present-Hedonistic time perspective was associated with alcohol use (OR = 2.01), alcohol problems (IRR = 2.23), and disordered eating behaviors (Exp(b) = 1.38); while Future time perspective was associated with alcohol problems (IRR = 2.18). Drinker self-schema was associated with alcohol use (OR = 1.62) and alcohol problems (IRR = 1.71). Fat/overweight self-schema was associated with overall disordered eating (Exp(b) = 1.03). Thus, the findings suggest that each of the three constructs is independently associated with drinking and disordered eating behaviors, and these associations vary according to the specific type of behavior. Future research identifying the underlying mechanisms linking these constructs to the abovementioned behaviors can be useful for developing targeted intervention strategies.

Prevalence and determinants of eating disorder risk among Bangladeshi public university students: A cross-sectional study.

Eating disorders among university students have been increasing day by day in developing countries. However, there is a dearth of existing literature that assessed eating disorder risk among this population group in Bangladesh. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of eating disorder risk and its associated factors among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 Bangladeshi public university students from October to December 2019. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, risk of eating disorder, and nutritional status of study participants. The respondents' eating disorder risk and nutritional status were assessed using the validated eating attitudes test-26 (EAT-26) tool and anthropometric measurement, respectively. A cut-off score of ≥ 20 based on EAT-26 indicates the presence of an eating disorder risk. Finally, a binary logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of an eating disorder. The prevalence of 'eating disorder risk' was 23.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.6 to 27.4). Being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4 to 4.2), aged between 17-21 years (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.6), overweight (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.6 to 14.9) and obese (AOR = 7.7, 95% CI: 1.9 to 31.4) showed a higher odds of having an eating disorder risk in the present study. The higher prevalence of eating disorders in the study indicates that psychological intervention and health awareness programs, particularly to younger age, female, and overweight and obese students at the university level, would effectively prevent the eating disorder risk.

The effect of Internet addiction on eating attitude and body image in university students.

PROBLEM: The research was carried out to determine the effect of internet addiction on eating attitude and body perception. METHODS: This study is descriptive, conducted with undergraduate students (n = 400) in a university in eastern Turkey. The data were collected by using Descriptive Questionnaire, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short-Form (YIAT-SF), Eating Attitude Test 26 (EAT-26), and Body Cathexis Scale (BCS). In addition, students' height and weight measurements were collected. FINDINGS: It was determined that there was positively at a very weak level a significant correlation between YIAT-SF total score and EAT-26 total score. There was a negative, weak significant correlation between the total score of YIAT-SF and the BCS total score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In students, internet addiction is related to eating behavior disorder and reduces satisfaction with body image. For this reason, education programs should be organized by health professionals to prevent internet addiction and psychological and physiological problems related to excessive internet use.

Relationship of personality characteristics and eating attitude with the success of bariatric surgery.

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease that causes several medical and psychiatric complications. There are plenty of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for obesity treatment. Bariatric surgery is one of the most efficient nonpharmacological treatment for morbid obesity; however, several psychological factors affect the success of bariatric surgery. This study aims to evaluate personality characteristics and eating attitude relationship with the success of bariatric surgery. Methods: This study was carried out on 75 patients with obesity who were candidates of bariatric surgery in the obesity clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital in Tehran. The patients were asked to fill the TCI and EAT-26 questionnaires before and after the surgery. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS-23 applying T-test, Mann-Whitney tests and Pearson and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Seventy-five patients, including 13 men and 62 women, were assessed through this study. The mean of the BMI of the participants was 44.7 prior to the surgery and 30 after the operation. Personality characteristics and eating attitudes had no significant relationship with the success of bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Although the eating attitude and personal characteristics of the bariatric surgery candidates before the surgery was not related to the outcome of the surgery, they should be considered in post-operational psychological assessments.

Eating Disorder Among Malaysian University Students and Its Associated Factors.

Eating disorder is highly prevalent among university students worldwide. However, in Malaysia, studies on eating disorder is scanty and were mostly conducted among medical students. A stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit participants in a university based in Kuala Lumpur. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1017/1132 students (response rate: 89.8%). The questionnaires administered was a combination of the Eating Attitude Test-26 and items related to perceived body weight, body mass index, trying to weight loss, tobacco use, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Descriptive analyses were performed to provide background information of at-risk students by gender. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors of eating disorder. The results showed that 13.9% of the university students were at risk of eating disorder. Students who were trying to lose weight and had posttraumatic stress disorder predicted eating disorder. Hence, eating disorder among university students merits attention and requires implementations of public health policies.

The relationship between eating attitudes and distress tolerance in obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract Objective: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the eating attitudes of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, while the secondary purpose is to examine the relationship between eating attitudes and distress tolerance. Methods: The study included 60 OCD patients and 60 healthy individuals as a control group. The data of the study were collected using the Padua Inventory (PE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: In comparison to the control group, the EAT-26 (p = 0.001) and BDI (p = 0.001) scores of the patient group were significantly higher, while the DTS total score (p = 0.001) was significantly low. The patients were divided into two groups based on the EAT-26 cutoff score. In the group with EAT-26 ≥ 30; the total PI score (p = 0.035), rumination (p = 0.010), impulses (p = 0.001) and sub-scale scores and BDI scores (p = 0.038) were significantly higher, while the DTS total score (p = 0.005), tolerance (p = 0.000), regulation (p = 0.013) and self-efficacy (p = 0.009) sub-scale scores were significantly lower. Discussion: Our study found that the eating habits of the OCD patients were more irregular than those of the healthy individuals. Further, the distress tolerance of the patients with irregular eating attitudes was significantly lower.

Relationship of physical activity with body image, self esteem sedentary lifestyle, body mass index and eating attitude in adolescents: A cross-sectional observational study.

AIM: To Study Relationship of physical activity (PA) with body image, self-esteem, body mass index (BMI), sedentary lifestyle and eating attitude in adolescents. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study done at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India. Volunteering adolescents between the age group of 13 and 18 years were included and assessed using PA questionnaire for adolescents Score, Body Shape Questionnaire-34 Score, Rosenberg self esteem Score, adolescent sedentary activity questionnaire score, eating attitude test (EAT-26) and BMI Z-score. Relationship of these scales to various parameters was assessed using correlation and regression. RESULTS: A total of 191 boys and girls were included in the study; 25% had underweight, 75% were normal (only 1 child had overweight and none had obesity). Three fourth (77%) of the children had low PA. The girls were relatively more inactive (83.9% girls vs. 72.1%boys). Most (90.05%) subjects did not have any concerns related to body image. Almost all the subjects had normal or high self esteem. Nearly one quarter of the subjects (23.56%) had disordered eating behaviours. Multiple regression found the PA is positively dependent on EAT 26 score and adolescent sedentary activity questionnaire (ASAQ) score (sedentary score) in girls, whereas in males ASAQ (sedentary score) score was only variable related to physical activity questionnaire for adolescents score (PAQ-A). CONCLUSION: Normal weight and underweight adolescents had minimal PA and despite this, almost all had normal self-esteem and body image. PA was significantly related to eating and sedentary behaviours.