Association Between Sedentary Behavior and Body Image Distortion Among Korean Adolescents Considering Sedentary Purpose

TL;DR

Prolonged sitting, especially for schoolwork, is linked to body image issues in Korean adolescent girls, suggesting the need for active learning strategies.

Contribution

The study identifies educational sedentary time as a key driver of body image distortion, particularly in female adolescents.

Findings

Prolonged sedentary behavior increases the odds of body image distortion in adolescents, especially girls.

Educational sedentary time shows a stronger link to body image distortion than non-educational sedentary time.

Female adolescents had a 1.06 odds ratio for body image distortion with increased educational sedentary time.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
Prolonged sedentary behavior was associated with higher odds of body image distortion in adolescents, with this pattern driven mainly by girls.Educational sedentary time (study- and school-related sitting) showed a stronger link to body image distortion than non-educational sedentary time.

Prolonged sedentary behavior was associated with higher odds of body image distortion in adolescents, with this pattern driven mainly by girls.

Educational sedentary time (study- and school-related sitting) showed a stronger link to body image distortion than non-educational sedentary time.

What are the implications of the main findings?
Reducing prolonged sitting for educational purposes and integrating active study routines may help prevent body image distortion, especially among female students.School- and community-based programs should address both sedentary time and body image in adolescent health promotion, with particular attention to academic pressure in girls.

Reducing prolonged sitting for educational purposes and integrating active study routines may help prevent body image distortion, especially among female students.

School- and community-based programs should address both sedentary time and body image in adolescent health promotion, with particular attention to academic pressure in girls.

Background: Sedentary behavior in adolescents is a major pediatric health concern. Prolonged inactivity can negatively affect physical and mental health, potentially leading to body image distortion, especially among adolescents. This study aims to explore the relationship between sedentary behavior and body image distortion in adolescents, considering sedentary purpose and sex differences. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2021–2023 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (KYRBS), comprising 150,025 middle and high school students. Sedentary time was self-reported as the average daily sedentary duration over 7 days. Body image distortion was defined as a discrepancy between the body mass index and perceived body image of participants. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, stratified by sex and sedentary purpose. Increased sedentary behavior was significantly associated with body image distortion. Results: Among female adolescents, educational sedentary time had a stronger effect on body image distortion (odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.09). In contrast, male adolescents showed no significant association. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant association between sedentary behavior and body image distortion in adolescents. Future research should further explore the long-term effects of sedentary behavior on the physical and mental health of adolescents.

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