Effects of Body Shape Perceptions according to Body Mass Index of Female University Students on Body Shape Satisfaction and Physical Activity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of body shape perceptions according to BMI of female university students on body shape satisfaction and physical activity. To achieve this purpose, the body shape perceptions, body shape satisfaction, and physical activity of 293 female university students attending S University in Gangwondo and N University in Choongcheongnamdo were studied. Data analysis was conducted through frequency analysis, chi-square, and one-way ANOVA using the SPSS statistical program. First, there were significant differences in body shape perception according to BMI of female university students and 54% had a distorted perception of their body shapes. Second, there were significant differences in body shape satisfaction according to body shape perceptions. Body shape satisfaction in underweight and normal weight perception showed to be higher than that of obese perception. Third, there were significant differences in strenuous physical activity and moderate physical activity according to body shape perceptions. Strenuous physical activity and moderate physical activity were higher for those with obese body shape perceptions than those with low body weight and normal weight body shape perceptions. There were no significant differences in walking exercises. Conclusively, female university students overestimate their body shapes with distorted standards and are unsatisfied with their body shapes but their physical activity levels for weight control are low.