Empowering Female University Students by improving Body Shape and Augmenting Body Image through Varsity Sports

Abstract

The concerns of body shape and body image have appeared as largely prevalent phenomena globally. Hence, this study was aimed at exploring the intricate relationship between body shape, body image and sports participation among female university students. The study consisted of 240 female’s sample: 120 athletes and 120 non-athletes from 6 different universities of Lahore. The age range of the sample was 19 to 25 years. The data collection method was based on personal information, IPAQ and BSQ16B. The findings revealed that female athletes exhibited lower BMI values, better body shape and more favorable perceptions of their body image due to continuous engagement in sports participation as compared to their counterparts. These findings advance the proposition that sports participation may improve body shape and body image perceptions among female university students. Lastly, the policy makers in higher education settings should include sports participation as a mandatory approach for female students.