Physical Activity and Obesity in University Population: Is All Physical Exercise Beneficial?

Abstract

Nowadays, obesity is one of the most relevant health problems. The scientific literature points out the relationship between obesity and physical activity with respect to psychological variables. In addition, emerging adulthood is a vital period in which there is an abandonment of healthy habits. In recent decades a weight gain has been observed in this period. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the role of physical activity in obese emerging adults and its influence on psychological variables, as well as to establish a profile of psychological variables regarding overweight and obesity in comparison with normal weight individuals. The sample consisted of 118 undergraduate students, of which 59 were normal weight (mean BMI=21.66, SD=3.26, 76.3% female) and 59 were overweight and obese (mean BMI=27.83, SD=2.50, 67.8% female). Several measures were used: alexithymia, emotional regulation, anxiety and depression, self-esteem and eating behaviour. There were only differences between normal weight individuals and obese individuals in self-esteem. For the differences in the overweight group from the level of physical activity, worse psychological adjustment was observed in those who carried out more physical activity. Finally, implications of these findings are discussed.