The Link Between Body Image and Inactivity
- Hungry 2Move
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
We know that negative body image or ‘body dissatisfaction’ can result in unhealthy and risk taking behaviours. But what is the link between body image and inactivity?
Body dissatisfaction develops when people have negative thoughts about their own body image.
Exercise is an amazing tool to improve our mental and physical health. However, inactivity in young people is at an all time high. Here are a few statistics to shock you!
3/4 of UK children spending less time outside than prison inmates - Persil Survey
I was definitely one of these kids. And who can blame them when video games and phones provide so much entertainment. But this lack of physical activity is contributing to chronically low mental and physical health.
More than 80% of adolescents do not meet WHO's recommended levels of physical activity.- World Health Organisation
And it's not just the kids, our whole society is becoming less and less active!
Around 1 in 3 (34%) of men and 1 in 2 (42%) of women are not active enough for good health. - GOV.UK
So what is the link with Body Image?
Negative body image can massively contribute to a young person’s attitude towards exercise. We can all remember feeling awkward and insecure in PE shorts, hiding while getting dressed in the changing rooms. Physical activity and exercise are crucial for kids' health, growth and development. However, many children struggle to stay active due to poor body image and insecurity about their appearance. This can create a harmful cycle where body dissatisfaction leads to inactivity, which can then negatively impact self-esteem even further.
36% of girls and 24% of boys report avoiding taking part in physical education due to worries about their appearance. - BeReal
Kids are bombarded with these unrealistic beauty standards through media, advertising, and even comments from peers and adults. By focusing so heavily on physical appearance, we risk causing children to become overly critical of how theirs and other's bodies look.
Young people in larger bodies are 63% more likely to be bullied - The World Health Organisation.
Children who feel self-conscious about their weight, shape or size often avoid any activities that could draw attention to their bodies. They may stop participating in sports, dance, swimming or even playing outdoors for fear of being judged or mocked. Physical self-consciousness creates major barriers to an active lifestyle.
‘Poor body image may also prevent young people from engaging in healthy behaviours, with some studies finding that children with poorer body image are less likely to take part in physical activity' - Mental Health Foundation
So how can we break this link between poor body image and inactive behaviour in kids? It starts with emphasising health, strength and all the amazing things our bodies can do rather than obsessing over appearances. We need to celebrate body diversity and shift the focus away from unrealistic ideals.
As parents, carers and teachers, we play a vital role in building body confidence in young people. Check out our free resources on building positive body image in young people!
Every child deserves to feel comfortable being physically active without worrying about how their body looks. By nurturing positive body image from a young age, we can empower kids to embrace movement, develop healthy habits and appreciate their incredible bodies. An active lifestyle flows naturally from true body confidence.
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