Impact of Adolescence Body Image on Body Functionality and Physical Activity

September 19, 2026 updated by: Alaa Noureldeen Kora, Sinai University

Not All Adolescents See Their Bodies the Same Way: Profiles of Body Functionality and Physical Activity. A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study will investigate how Egyptian adolescents aged 14-17 years perceive their bodies and how these perceptions are related to body functionality and physical activity. The study will examine different patterns of body image concerns, including high, moderate, and low concern, and explore whether these patterns are associated with how adolescents appreciate what their bodies can do and how physically active they are.

Participants will complete questionnaires assessing body shape concerns, body appreciation and functionality, and physical activity. The study aims to improve understanding of the relationship between body image, body functionality, and physical activity during adolescence and may provide useful information for healthcare professionals, particularly physical therapists, when developing strategies to promote physical activity and overall well-being among adolescents.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Detailed Description

Introduction Adolescents' conversations about body ideals and appearance provide insight into body image disturbance. According to Grogan , body image is defined as "a person's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about his or her body".

Several factors influence body image among adolescents, such as peer criticism of appearance, exposure to appearance-focused magazines, and the rapid changes in body size and shape during puberty Body profiles are a unique subcategory of people who share a similar combination of variables, such as their body image concerns, body esteem, or physical attributes Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) as a person-centered approach rather than a variable-centered one, three classes of adolescents are identified: the great concern class, which shows greater concern about their body appearance and usually has a high level of body dissatisfaction. The low-concern class shows fewer worries about their body appearance and greater acceptance and satisfaction with their bodies. The borderline or mid concern class, which fits between the two classes in terms of body concerns and body satisfaction.

Regarding gender differences, there is a distinct distribution between men and women across these classes, as most men are categorized in the low concern class, and women are likely to be categorized in the great concern class.

Body functionality refers to how individuals perceive what their bodies can do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. During adolescence, this concept becomes quite important due to the rapid physical and psychological changes that influence self-perception and identity formation. Adolescents who focus on body functionality, such as strength, mobility, and physical ability, tend to develop more positive attitudes toward their bodies compared to those who focus mainly on appearance .

Unlike body image, which is often influenced by external appearance and social comparison, body functionality emphasizes the body's internal abilities and its role in performing daily activities and maintaining overall health. This perspective may also reduce negative body-related thoughts and promote self-acceptance. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that adolescents who appreciate their body functionality are more likely to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, understanding bodily functions can provide valuable insights into differences in adolescents' physical activity levels and help explain variations in their behavioral patterns.

Good well-being was significantly associated with regular physical activity (PA) and with several health benefits Physical activity (PA) is any form of body movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.

It has a positive impact on adolescents by promoting self-respect and resulting in a confident body image. In other words, Low physical activity is considered one of the Potential negative health consequences that may result from the weight state and body image dissatisfaction. Consequently, body-related factors can influence the scale and participation of adolescents in PA. Furthermore, participation varies by age and gender. Despite the tireless efforts of various Concerned authorities to boost physical activity, a large proportion of adolescents fail to meet physical activity recommendations.

Statement of the Problem Do Egyptian adolescents' perceptions of their body appearance influence their body functionality and physical activity levels? The Purpose of the Study

  1. To explore how Egyptian adolescents perceive their body image.
  2. To assess the relationship between body image perception and levels of body functionality and physical activity among adolescents.

Significance of the Study This study is important because it helps us understand how adolescents perceive their bodies and how this perception relates to their level of physical activity. Adolescence is a critical stage marked by physical and psychological changes that may influence self-perception and health-related behaviors. Recently, more attention has been given to body functionality rather than appearance, focusing on what the body can do rather than how it looks.(Alleva & Tylka, 2021).

Understanding this concept may help explain differences in physical activity levels among adolescents. It has been suggested that adolescents with a more positive body image are more likely to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles (Babic et al., 2014). Additionally, this study may provide useful insights for healthcare professionals, especially physical therapists, to develop strategies that promote physical activity and improve adolescents' overall well-being (Alleva & Tylka, 2021).

Null Hypothesis H₀: There is no statistically significant difference in body functionality or physical activity levels across the different body image perception profiles (i.e., high concern, mid concern, and low concern classes) among Egyptian adolescents aged 14-17 years.

Delimitations of the Study

  1. The study is confined to adolescents (aged between 14 and 17 years old).
  2. Generation Z
  3. The study utilizes scales written in the English language.
  4. The study utilizes a cross-sectional survey design, capturing data at a single point in time.

Exclusion criteria

  1. Non-adolescents (those over 17 or under 14).
  2. Non-English speakers.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
385

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

14 years to 18 years (Child, Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

N/A

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of Egyptian adolescents aged 14-18 years. The study will examine their perceptions of body image and body shape concerns and explore the relationship between body image perception, body functionality, and physical activity. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires assessing body shape concerns, body appreciation and functionality, and physical activity.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Adolescents aged 14-18 years. Egyptian adolescents. Able to understand and complete the study questionnaires in English. Willing to participate in the study and provide the required consent/assent according to applicable ethical requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

Adolescents younger than 14 years or older than 18 years. Adolescents who are unable to understand the English-language study questionnaires.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Observational Models: COHORT
  • Time Perspectives: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Group / Cohort

A group or subgroup of participants in an observational study that is assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.
Egyptian Adolescents Aged 14-17 Years

Egyptian adolescents aged 14-17 years participating in a cross-sectional study examining the relationship between body image perception, body functionality, and physical activity. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires assessing body shape concerns, body appreciation and functionality, and physical activity. The study will explore different body image perception profiles and determine whether body functionality and physical activity levels differ across these profiles. No intervention will be administered.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Body Functionality
Time Frame: 1 Day

Body functionality will be assessed using the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), which measures the extent to which adolescents appreciate, respect, and value their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look. Body functionality scores will be examined across the different body image perception profiles.
1 Day

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Physical Activity Level
Time Frame: 1 day

Physical activity will be assessed using the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ), which measures physical activity across different areas of daily life, including school, chores, transportation, free time, and outdoor activities. Physical activity levels will be examined across the different body image perception profiles.
1 day

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Body Image and Body Shape Concerns
Time Frame: 1 day

Body image will be assessed using the Body Shape Questionnaire-34 (BSQ-34), a 34-item self-report questionnaire measuring concerns and dissatisfaction with body shape. Participants rate each item on a 6-point scale based on their experiences during the previous 4 weeks. Higher total scores indicate greater body shape concern and dissatisfaction. Body image scores will be used to identify different body image perception profiles among Egyptian adolescents.
1 day

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Sinai University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

  • Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., Van Breukelen, G. J. P., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand Your Horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. Body Image, 15, 81-89. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.001 Alleva, J. M., & Tylka, T. L. (2021). Body functionality: A review of the literature. Body Image, 36, 149-171. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.006 Babic, M. J., Morgan, P. J., Plotnikoff, R. C., Lonsdale, C., White, R. L., & Lubans, D. R. (2014). Physical Activity and Physical Self-Concept in Youth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 44(11), 1589-1601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0229-z Cochran, W. G. (1977). Sampling techniques (3rd ed.). (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Hoffmann, S., & Warschburger, P. (2018). Patterns of body image concerns in adolescence and early adulthood: A latent profile analysis. Eating Behaviors, 29, 28-34. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2018.02.002 Jackson, A. M., Cox, A. E., Sano, Y., Parker, L., & Lanigan, J. (2022). Body image and eating behaviors: A latent profile analysis. Body Image, 41, 396-405. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.04.013 Janssen, I., & Leblanc, A. G. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-7-40 Larouche, R., Neves de Oliveira, S., Rostami Haji Abadi, M., Benavides-Castro, J. K., Sarmiento, O. L., Angulo Garay, G., Argumedo, G., Ashaolu, J. O., Baghestani, A., Bhawra, J., Brazo-Sayavera, J., Choonak, N., Nyström, C. D., Evance, S., Hamrik, Z., Jáuregui, A., Kaewpikul, P., Katewongsa, P., Khadilkar, A., … Tremblay, M. S. (2026). Content validation of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) in low-, middle-, a

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
September 15, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
January 30, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
September 11, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 19, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
September 25, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
September 25, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 19, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • SU.REC.2026(108)H

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared with other researchers. The study data will be used for the purposes of the present research and will be maintained in accordance with applicable ethical, institutional, and data-protection requirements. De-identified aggregate results will be reported in the study publications and/or other research outputs.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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