The Associations between Physical Activity and Body-Esteem in 15-Year-Old Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study from Finland

Purpose: Physical activity promotes a positive physical self-image, but less is known about whether the effect covers general self-evaluation of adolescent appearance. This study aimed to further explore associations between and body-esteem in Finnish adolescents, via country-representative cross-sectional design. Methods: The data for were drawn from component Health Behaviour School-aged Children (HBSC) (2014), using surveys 15-year-old adolescents (n=1956, mean age 15.8 years) 122 schools. Self-evaluations body or appearance measured by Body-Esteem Scale Adolescents Adults (BESAA). A mixed effects linear regression analysis was conducted separately boys girls. explanatory variables (i) self-reported moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), (ii) weight status, (iii) self-esteem, (iv) socioeconomic status. covariates used models maturation state ethnic background. Results: score highest among who reported engagement MVPA corresponding international recommendation adolescents’ activity. association found even when it considered conjunction with other image-related factors, only boys. variance explained 5.0% model (Model R2 = 26.3%). Conclusions: young people should be promoted variety health reasons, including its higher body-esteem. However, consideration given gender differences factors related this complex association.