Physical activity level and its relationship with body satisfaction and body mass index in adolescents)

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is an important aspect in a person's life as it contributes to the strengthening of their health and reduces the risk of long-term illnesses. Objective: This article aims to analyze the relationship between the level of physical activity, body satisfaction, and body mass index in adolescents. Methodology: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional, empirical study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 196 adolescents from the second year of high school. The instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire-14, and the formula established by the World Health Organization for calculating the body mass index. Results: It was determined that the highest level of physical activity corresponds to males with an average vigorous physical activity of 1630 MET, while females are at 709 MET. Regarding the body mass index, most students are in the normal range; however, there is a significant prevalence of obesity among 17-year-old students. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a direct relationship between the level of physical activity and body mass index in adolescents. This is attributed to the low level of physical activity, resulting in high and low body mass index values that contribute to the occurrence of cases of overweight, obesity, moderate, and severe malnutrition. General area of study: Physical Culture. Specific area of study: Physical Education.