Not All Adolescents See Their Bodies the Same Way: Profiles of Body Functionality and Physical Activity. A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Adolescents' conversations about body ideals and appearance provide insight into body image disturbance. According to Grogan , body image is defined as "a person's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about his or her body".

Several factors influence body image among adolescents, such as peer criticism of appearance, exposure to appearance-focused magazines, and the rapid changes in body size and shape during puberty Body profiles are a unique subcategory of people who share a similar combination of variables, such as their body image concerns, body esteem, or physical attributes Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) as a person-centered approach rather than a variable-centered one, three classes of adolescents are identified: the great concern class, which shows greater concern about their body appearance and usually has a high level of body dissatisfaction. The low-concern class shows fewer worries about their body appearance and greater acceptance and satisfaction with their bodies. The borderline or mid concern class, which fits between the two classes in terms of body concerns and body satisfaction.

Regarding gender differences, there is a distinct distribution between men and women across these classes, as most men are categorized in the low concern class, and women are likely to be categorized in the great concern class.

Body functionality refers to how individuals perceive what their bodies can do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. During adolescence, this concept becomes quite important due to the rapid physical and psychological changes that influence self-perception and identity formation. Adolescents who focus on body functionality, such as strength, mobility, and physical ability, tend to develop more positive attitudes toward their bodies compared to those who focus mainly on appearance .

Unlike body image, which is often influenced by external appearance and social comparison, body functionality emphasizes the body's internal abilities and its role in performing daily activities and maintaining overall health. This perspective may also reduce negative body-related thoughts and promote self-acceptance. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that adolescents who appreciate their body functionality are more likely to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, understanding bodily functions can provide valuable insights into differences in adolescents' physical activity levels and help explain variations in their behavioral patterns.