Body Image and Fitness Culture in the Age of Social Media

Authors

  • Usman Umar Assistant Professor, Physical Education Government Associate College Boys Bedian Road, Lahore Author
  • Dr. Yasmeen Tabassum Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, University of The Punjab, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Zafar Iqbal Butt Professor, Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, University of The Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Muhammad Mudassir Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, University of The Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Amber Bashir Assistant Professor, Government Associate College 98/NB Sargodha. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Body Image, Self Esteem, Social Media, Fitness

Abstract

The interplay of body image and fitness culture in the age of social media is examined by means of a cross-sectional survey design. The aim was to examine how digital media influences body image, fitness engagement, and related psychosocial variables. A structural questionnaire was used for 450 university students (18–30 years old) composed of validated scales: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and WHO-5 Wellbeing Index. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and thematic analysis of open ended responses were used in the analyses. Results showed a significant association between greater social media engagement and body dissatisfaction (β =. 34, p <. 01), more involvement in appearance-motivated fitness behaviors (χ² = 12. 05), and lower self-esteem (M = 18.7, SD = 4.3). Results indicated that social media will both drive fitness participation and negatively increase body dissatisfaction. There is an urgent demand for media literacy initiatives, body image positive campaigns and also multifaceted approaches in public health programmes that are rooted in a psychosocial analysis. This study adds to an emergent body of literature by providing emprical evidence on how modern-day social media transforms fitness culture.

 

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Usman Umar, Dr. Yasmeen Tabassum, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Butt, Muhammad Mudassir, & Amber Bashir. (2025). Body Image and Fitness Culture in the Age of Social Media. AL-HAYAT Research Journal (AHRJ), 2(4), 127-131. https://doi.org/10.5281/

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