Body image and lifestyle attitudes of female gymnasium users in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to assess whether there were differences in body image, physical activity and lifestyle attitudes between single and married Saudi women using gymnasia.

Design/methodology/approach

In June 2011, 80 women attending three different gymnasia in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were performed. Socio‐demographic characteristics – activity history; obesity‐related knowledge; and behavior data – were obtained by self‐administered questionnaire.

Findings

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study group was 22.5 percent and 70 percent, respectively. Estimated weight loss over the last six months was similar for both groups. All subjects recognized the “thin”, “normal weight” and “fat” silhouettes. The majority of the single (76 percent) and married women (90 percent) subjects identified their own body shape as being overweight, but chose the “normal weight” figures as the shape they wanted to be. Reported weekly physical activity levels were low and similar between groups. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in body image concerns or lifestyle between the two groups.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that the main motive for most of the subjects to use gymnasia was to reduce their weight and improve body image because they were either overweight or obese. There is an urgent need to spread awareness about obesity in Saudi Arabia. More educational programs about healthy weight should be implemented.

Citation

Abdullah Ben‐Ammar, A. and Al‐Holy, M.A. (2013), "Body image and lifestyle attitudes of female gymnasium users in Saudi Arabia", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 43 No. 4, pp. 365-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-10-2012-0110