Abstract

DAMASCENO, Vinicius Oliveira et al. Ideal physical type and body image satisfaction of regular walkers. Rev Bras Med Esporte [online]. 2005, vol.11, n.3, pp. 181-186. ISSN 1517-8692.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1517-86922005000300006.

The objective of the present study was to quantify the ideal physical type and to verify the body image satisfaction level of regular walkers. One hundred and eighty six individuals participated in this study as follows: 87 women (age = 28.70 ± 12.6 years, stature = 161.6 ± 6.2 cm, body mass = 58.9 ± 12.0 kg and fat = 25.7 ± 7.8 F%) and 98 men (age = 27.9 ± 12.9 years, stature = 177.2 ± 6.9 cm, body mass = 75.0 ± 12.3 kg and fat = 13.3 ± 6.1 F%). The individuals were asked to indicate which profile corresponded to his/her body and which profile they wanted to reach. Only 24% of women are satisfied. Profile 3 was pointed as ideal to be reached by 55% of women (profile 2 = 18%; and profile 4 = 21%). Profile 3, according to results of this study, corresponded to F% of 20.5 ± 0.9% (EPM) and to MBI of 20.0 ± 0.3 kg/m² (EPM). In relation to men, only 18% are satisfied. Profile 4 was pointed as ideal by 46% of men (profile 3 = 23%; and profile 5 = 19%). Profile 4 corresponds to F% of 9.8 ± 1.4% (EPM) and to BMI of 23.1 ± 0.4 kg/m² (EPM). There is an ideal physical type for both genders. No difference with body image satisfaction degree between genders was verified.

Keywords : Body image; Body mass index; Fat percentage.