Abstract

Introduction: Body image is complex concern including biological, psychological, internal and external social factors.The present research was conducted in order to determine the correlation of perceived body image and physical activity in women and men according to the different levels of Body Mass Index(BMI).

Materials  and  Methods: The present study was descriptive-correlational method and 264 subjects were selected by random stratified cluster sampling from teachers and staff of Tabriz University and they completed personal and demographic information, “Silhouette Figure Rating” and “Physical Activity Rate” questionnaires. In development the “Silhouette Figure Rating Scale”, concurrent validity with BMI have been reported 0.71 and test-retest reliability 0.78 respectively. In this research concurrent validity with BMI was obtained 0.70. Data were analyzed by SPSS/18.

Findings: 33.3 percent of women and 48.8 percent of men in normal weight had correct perception of self body image. Also it was shown that body image almost would explain of 63 percent and 49 percent of BMI variance in men and women respectively. It was shown significant correlation between BMI and body image in women (Fisher's Exact Test =58.84, P<0.0001) and men (Fisher's Exact Test=74.18, P<0.0001). The diagnostic function was obtained in this research correctly classified 59.8 percent of people (158 of 264 people).

 Conclusion: Obese people have the most and normal weight people have the lowest correct understanding from body image, So that nearly half of those with normal weight understand their less and more of the actual situation. Future research with different method of body image, physical activity and body max index in different group is recommended.