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Adolescent Athleticism, Exercise, Body Image, and Dietary Practices
Objective: To assess the relationship between physical activity and athletic participation levels and body- size perceptions, diet, and weight-control practices among high school students. Methods:Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed by the CDC was randomly administered statewide with 7,846 students responding. Results: Diet quality improved as physical activ ity and athletic participation increased. Members of all activity categories were significantly more likely than sedentary nonathletes to be trying to lose weight. Conclusion: Young athletes should be encouraged to have realistic body perceptions and weight goals and to engage in healthy weight-loss behaviors if necessary. Am J Health Behav 1998;22(3):193-205 |