Assessing the Role of Low Body Image as a Risk Factor for developing Addictive Behavior towards Exercise among Regular Exercising Women of Higher Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

This study delved into the complex relationship between body image and obligatory exercise in physically active women. Data collection was carried out by recruiting 150 female gym-goers from Lahore, aged 19-45. Demographic questions, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SV), Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire and Body image related 10 items were adopted from 3 different body image scales were used to calculate demographic characteristics of person, her last week physical activity, their exercise behavior and body image score respectively. Findings of the study revealed that those physically active women who showed higher scores in obligatory exercise exhibited more dissatisfaction with their body image. However, the study further unearthed a surprising trend towards the active women with a high prevalence of feeling obligated to exercise. This suggested that for many, exercise goes beyond mere health benefits, becoming intertwined with body image concerns and potentially even a sense of compulsion.