Correlation of Level of Physical Activity with Weight Perception, Body Mass Index and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Physiotherapy Students of Government Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background - Obesity has been increasing steadily and is one of the major cause of many noncommunicable
diseases among young population. Physiotherapy profession revolves around health
and fitness and thus physiotherapy students were chosen for the study. The aim of the study is to find
correlation of levels of physical activity with weight perception, body mass index and body image
dissatisfaction among physiotherapy students of government tertiary care hospital.
Method- It was an observational, cross sectional study of 68 physiotherapy students of either gender
between the age of 18-25 years. Perceived weight was documented, body mass index calculated and
questionnaires were used to score body image dissatisfaction and physical activity.
Conclusion-We found no correlation between level of physical activity and weight perception(p>0.05)
and between level of physical activity and Body Image Dissatisfaction (p>0.05). However, there was a
correlation between level of physical activity and Body Mass Index with p≤0.05, ρ=0.281. The result
highlights the importance of increasing awareness towards self-acceptance of body image and focus on
physical activity.