The Effect of Body Fat Percentage, Self Body Image, and Stress of Exercise on Exercise Participation in Obese Children

Hong, Young Sun; Kim, Chang Sun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to provide basic information on participation and adherence of exercise between obese children and normal-weight children by comparing their level of stress towards exercising.
METHODS
The subjects involved elementary school students of 4th and 6th grades (normal weight: 287, obese: 205). The Body Fat Percentage (BFP) was measured for diagnosing obesity. The level of participation in physical activity, the self body image, and stress of exercising were evaluated by questionnaires. Significance was verified at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in exercise intensity, favorite sport, level of subjective physical fitness between obese children and normal weight children. Obese children showed greater stress towards obesity, hot and strenuous exercise, and fear of failure. The perceived stress from peer criticism and fear of failure were greater than the stress from obesity. Participation in physical activity was negatively correlated with stress of exercising. According to the multiple regression analysis, the stress among obese children towards hot and strenuous exercise affected the frequency and intensity of exercise. The stress from fear of failure and low exercise capacity influenced their preference of sport.
CONCLUSION
Obese children need help to lower their perception of stress towards hot and strenuous exercise and fear of failure. It is important to teach them to embrace stress of low exercise capacity positively in order to enhance exercise participation.