Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H019
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, H019 (2025)
Fact vs. feeling: discrepancies between body composition and self-perceived body image among female amateur athletes
Darejan Sakhechidze1*, Klaudia Akantisz1, Anna Anyżewska1
1 School of Medical & Health Sciences, Students Scientific Group “Supplement”, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59, 01-043 Warsaw, Poland
* Corresponding author: sakheda9203_aeh@students.vizja.pl
Abstract
Accurate self-perception of body composition plays a crucial role in fostering a realistic body image and supporting appropriate health behaviours. Discrepancies between objectively measured body composition and self-perceived body image may have significant implications for physical and psychological well-being, particularly among physically active individuals. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between measured and self-assessed body weight, fat mass and muscle mass in female amateur athletes. A total of 112 female amateur athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. Self-perceived body image was assessed using a structured questionnaire developed by the authors. Objective body composition measurements were obtained using the Tanita MC-780 analyser (Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Three key indicators were calculated: body mass index (BMI = body weight/height² [kg/m²]), fat percentage (FP = fat mass/body weight × 100% [%]), and fat mass index (FMI = fat mass/height² [kg/m²]). Participants’ self-assessments of body weight and fat mass were compared with their measured values. The results highlighted significant discrepancies between self-perceived and objectively measured body composition among physically active females. According to the BMI classification, 63% of the participants correctly assessed their body weight. Regarding fat mass perception, only 27% (using the FP classification) and 19% (using the FMI classification) of participants correctly assessed their fat mass. Almost half of the participants (49%) perceived their muscle mass to be too low, although only 11% of the participants were below the recommended range. In addition, only a minority (14%) of the physically active women correctly assessed both their fat and muscle mass levels. This study identifies a significant gap between objective body composition measurements and self-perceived body image among female amateur athletes. The findings highlight the need for educational interventions such as increasing awareness of body composition to reduce the risk of misperceptions that may influence dietary choices, training regimes, and psychological well-being. Addressing these discrepancies may contribute to a more accurate self-image and increase the effectiveness of fitness and health strategies.
Keywords: self-image, body composition, body weight, fat mass, muscle mass
How to cite
D. Sakhechidze, K. Akantisz, A. Anyżewska, 2025. Fact vs. feeling: discrepancies between body composition and self-perceived body image among female amateur athletes. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H019