Body Dissatisfaction, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Anthropometric Data in Female Gymnasts and Adolescents

Abstract

The aim was to analyse and compare body dissatisfaction, Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) and anthropometric characteristics between acrobatic gymnasts and non-gymnasts. A sample of 151 adolescent girls (81 gymnasts and 70 nongymnasts) aged between 10 and 19 years was selected. Body dissatisfaction was assessed through the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), MDA was analysed through the Kidmed Test and anthropometric measurements enabled to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage (BF%). The results indicated that gymnasts achieved significantly higher body satisfaction scores than non-gymnasts. In terms of MDA, 70.4% of gymnasts and 31.4% of non-gymnasts obtained optimal MDA. Gymnasts' body dissatisfaction was related to MDA, BMI and the rest of anthropometric measurements (p < 0.01), unlike non-gymnasts, for which only Weight-BMI, Height-Weight, WC-BSQ, WC-BMI, WC-Weight and WC-Height were related. In conclusion, gymnasts have less body dissatisfaction, higher MDA and a healthier BMI than non-gymnasts. Data suggest promoting acrobatic gymnastics within Physical Education programmes, as an extracurricular or competitive activity due to its benefits for both variables.