Objectified Body Consciousness, Physical Activity, and Dietary Intake in Women

Using a cross‐sectional survey from a relatively large sample of adult women, we examined the relationships of objectified body consciousness (OBC) to physical activity levels, dietary intake, and self‐efficacy to control one's weight through exercise or healthy eating. OBC accounted for a small, statistically significant amount of variation in moderate and vigorous physical activity. Self‐efficacy partially mediated the weak relationship between control beliefs and vigorous physical activity. Differences in OBC between weight control motivation groups (those trying to lose weight vs. maintain weight) and body mass index levels were found. Findings indicate a complex interaction of OBC with health behavior, having associations with restrained and disordered eating, but little to no relationship with physical activity and dietary food choices.
Source: Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research