Exploring the nexus: physical activity, body image, and anxiety among university students

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, body image, and anxiety among undergraduate university students. Methods: A total of 450 university students (67 male, 383 female) voluntarily participated in this research. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), anxiety levels with the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI), and body image perception using the Body Image Scale (BIS). The study was conducted in Türkiye between November 15, 2021 and February 2022. Results: Only 18.44% of the participants met the recommended level of physical activity, with 51.11% having moderate activity levels and 30.44% being entirely low activity levels. Anxiety was prevalent, as 85.1% of students reported moderate anxiety, and 14.9% reported high anxiety. Additionally, a negative relationship between physical activity and body image was observed, implying that increased physical activity correlated with more positive body image (r=-0.177, p = 0.00). As the physical activity score increased, the body image score decreased. Due to this negative relationship, an increase in the IPAQ score had a positive influence on the individual’s perception of their body image. Conversely, a significant, moderately positive relationship existed between anxiety and body image. Regression analysis demonstrated that perceived body image significantly influenced anxiety levels (p < 0.000), explaining 20.3% of the variance (p < 0.000). Conclusion: In this study, we found the alarmingly low physical activity levels among university students and highlight the role of physical activity in enhancing body image and potentially reducing depressive symptoms. Practical implications include the necessity for effective interventions within universities to promote physical activity, support students in maintaining adequate activity levels, and consequently, improve mental well-being. These findings stress the importance of addressing physical activity and mental health within university settings and suggest actionable strategies for enhancing the overall health of students.