A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Relationship between Body Dissatisfaction and Morbid Exercise Behaviour

Background: The present study aimed to quantify the relationship between body dissatisfaction and morbid exercise behaviour (MEB). Methods: electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SciELO, Dissertations & Theses Global were searched from inception September 2020. Pooled effect sizes corrected for sampling errors (r+) computed using a bare-bones meta-analysis. robustness results was examined by influence analyses. presence moderators inspection variance in r+ attributable 80% credibility intervals, followed subgroup analysis univariable/multivariable meta-regressions. Publication bias visual funnel plot symmetry, cumulative meta-analysis, Egger’s test. Results: A total 41 33 studies (n = 8747) retrieved. Results showed significant near moderate size (r+ 0.267, 95% CI 0.226 0.307), this did not differ gender, BMI, age, percentage Whites, quality, or MEB measure. Conversely, found be stronger published more recently conducted studies. Conclusion: findings indicate that is one likely causes underlying MEB. This suggests need further longitudinal research at confirming potential causal nature relationship.