Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                401                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
 
ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT 
KID ATHLETES 
 
 
Lucía Selva Antón & María Alejandra Ávalos Ramos 
 
Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain  
 
 
Original article                                                                           DOI: 10.52165/sgj.16.3.401-412 
 Abstract 
The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of dissatisfaction with body image—defined 
as the dissatisfaction resulting from the difference between the desired silhouette and the 
perceived one—among Fit Kid athletes. The study compared data based on age ranges and levels 
of competition and examined the possible association between higher weight and BMI with 
increased concern for body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used, and data 
were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. The main findings reveal a higher degree 
of body image dissatisfaction at the highest level of competition (national level) and among 
athletes with higher BMI and weight. Specifically, the factor with the highest scores was body 
dissatisfaction with the lower body. This suggests a higher risk of body image issues in late 
adolescence and at higher competitive levels, as well as among athletes with higher BMI values. 
These findings could offer valuable insights for coaches, who might address these issues through 
collaboration with nutritionists and sports psychologists. 
 
Keywords: body dissatisfaction, leanness, competition level, BMI, aesthetic disciplines 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
Body image perception is defined as 
‘the image our mind forms of our own body, 
that is, the way our body manifests itself to 
us’ (Schilder, 2013, p. 11) and is directly 
related to eating disorders (Torres et al., 
2017). Eating disorders are a group of 
mental illnesses characterized by abnormal 
eating behaviors, along with behaviors or 
attitudes aimed at weight control (Sadock, 
Sadock & Ruiz, 2015). These disorders 
generally occur in adolescents and young 
adults, with prevalence studies indicating 
wide differences according to age group and 
gender, being much higher in young women. 
Among the most common or prevalent 
eating disorders in Europe are anorexia 
nervosa and bulimia nervosa (Arija, Santi, 
Novalbos, Canals & Rodríguez, 2022). As 
for the age of onset, anorexia nervosa 
typically begins ate around 12 to 13 years, 
while bulimia nervosa starts between 14 and 
15 years (Keski-Rahkonen et al., 2007). 
As mentioned above, this preoccupation 
with weight gain and obsession with eating 
is also linked to a factor that characterizes 
this type of disorder: dissatisfaction with 
one's own body image (Torres et al., 2017). 
This is understood as the dissatisfaction 
resulting from the difference between the 
perception of the desired silhouette and the 
perceived silhouette (Jiménez, Jiménez & 
Bacardi, 2017). 
The most common stages of onset of 
these problems are early and middle 
adolescence, though they can develop in 
children as young as 6 years old (Swanson, 
Crow, Le Grange, Swendsen & Merikangas, 
2011). Regarding incidence in sport, a 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                402                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
relationship can be established between 
aesthetic sports and dissatisfaction with 
body image, which is considered a risk 
factor for the development of dangerous 
eating behaviors, such as anorexia (Valles, 
Hernández, Baños, Moncada-Jiménez & 
Rentería, 2020), in female athletes in this 
types of sport disciplines (Fortes, Neves, 
Filgueiras, Almeida & Ferreira, 2013). 
Among dancers and gymnasts, risky 
methods to achieve a specific body typology, 
such as pressure to be thin and follow dietary 
restriction, are observed (Francisco, Alarcão 
& Narciso, 2012). Similarly, in sports that 
emphasize thinness, there are higher levels 
of body image dissatisfaction and more 
symptoms of eating disorders, with even 
higher rates found among elite athletes, 
regardless of whether they participate in 
aesthetic sports (Kong & Harris, 2014). 
Even among children who practice aesthetic 
sports, there is a quest to be thinner, despite 
already having lower body weights 
compared to children who participate in 
other types of sports (Lombardo, 
Battagliese, Lucidi & Frost, 2012). 
Additionally, girls aged 5 and 7 years who 
practice aesthetic sports show greater 
concern about weight compared to girls who 
practice non-aesthetic sports or who do not 
practice sports at all (Davison, Earnest & 
Birch, 2002). Adolescent gymnasts also 
exhibit greater body dissatisfaction than 
adolescent non-gymnasts (Valles et al., 
2020). 
In this sense, the risk of presenting a 
greater concern about body image is much 
higher among gymnastics disciplines due to 
the strict attitude towards weight and shape, 
which can become an obsession 
(Bloodworth, McNamee & Tan, 2017). 
Adolescent gymnasts may be even more 
vulnerable to developing such problems, as 
the body image concerns and insecurities 
common at their age are reinforced by the 
pressure to achieve or maintain a particular 
body shape and weight in order to compete 
at the highest level of the sport (Tan, 
Bloodworth, McNamee & Hewitt, 2012). 
Several studies in recent decades have 
linked gymnastics and dance to high body 
image dissatisfaction and eating disorders 
among athletes and dancers (Bloodworth et 
al., 2017; Francisco et al., 2012).  For 
example, in artistic gymnastics, female 
gymnasts appear to be at higher risk of 
developing eating disorders than male 
gymnasts (Papacharalampous, Dallas & 
Dallas, 2022), as it is common for gymnasts 
to experience a high degree of body image 
dissatisfaction, which increases during the 
competition season (Neves et al., 2016). 
Rhythmic gymnastics is considered the 
gymnastic discipline with the highest risk of 
its practitioners suffering from eating 
disorders compared to other disciplines such 
as artistic gymnastics or acrobatic 
gymnastics, probably due to the pressure in 
rhythmic gymnastics to obtain a very slim 
body, the perfectionist tendencies of the 
discipline (Nordin, Harris & Cumming, 
2003), and the excessive weight control and 
emphasis on low adipose mass for success in 
performance (Palacios & Sánchez, 2016). 
Furthermore, a high-level gymnast not only 
needs to possess certain physical aptitudes, 
but her body composition is also a 
determining factor for success, providing the 
biomechanical characteristics necessary for 
the execution of the exercises (Márquez, 
2008; Palacios & Sánchez, 2016). This 
situation can lead to a certain risk of 
disordered eating behaviour in the pursuit of 
results, particularly in maintaining a low 
weight and slim appearance (Palacios & 
Sánchez, 2016), with more cases occurring 
among rhythmic gymnasts at a higher level, 
such as the international level, than among 
gymnasts at non-competitive levels (Donti, 
Donti, Gaspari, Pleksida & Psychountaki, 
2021; Kontele, Vassilakou & Donti, 2022). 
Fit Kid, an emerging sport created in 
Europe in 1990 and part of the Spanish 
Federation of Dance Sport, combines 
gymnastic elements with dance, creating a 
significant artistic component. It requires 
certain physical qualities such as flexibility, 
strength, and endurance, as well as rhythmic 
and artistic qualities like coordination and 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
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body expression (Paredes, n.d.). This sport 
includes individual and group participation 
categories, with group categories being 
further divided into duos, small groups (3 or 
4 members), and large groups (5 or 6 
members). These group categories are 
divided into three competition age groups 
(7-11 years; 12-15 years; 16 years and over). 
Additionally, there is a free large group 
category, where 7 to 15 athletes can 
participate with no age restrictions. In the 
group categories, the gender of the 
competitors is unrestricted. Participants in 
all age categories must perform a floor 
choreography accompanied by music, 
including compulsory elements specified in 
the scoring code (Fit Kid scoring code, 
2023). In this way, Fit Kid resembles and 
draws from both gymnastic disciplines and 
dance, adapted to Fit Kid's unique 
characteristics. 
Given the existing link between Fit Kid 
and gymnastic disciplines, we question 
whether athletes in this sport might also 
manifest or develop a similar tendency 
toward high dissatisfaction with their own 
body image. Under these premises, the aim 
of this research was to analyze the current 
state of body image perception among Fit 
Kid athletes, comparing the established age 
ranges and the varying levels of 
competition—specifically, first-class and 
second-class levels. Additionally, the 
research sought to identify the type of 
association between higher weight and BMI 
with a more pronounced concern for body 
image. 
 
METHODS 
 
This descriptive research with a 
quantitative approach was conducted using a 
purposive sample. The sample was selected 
based on the following inclusion criteria: Fit 
Kid athletes from clubs in a municipality in 
the province of Alicante (Spain), male or 
female, with a valid federation license, at 
first-class or second-class levels, and within 
the age range of 11 to 24 years, as federation 
licenses were available for athletes up to this 
age range. After applying these criteria, the 
total population meeting these 
characteristics was 80 athletes, of which 14 
were excluded for not obtaining the 
corresponding informed consent. 
Therefore, in the end, 66 athletes 
between 11 and 19 years of age (62 women 
and 4 men), belonging to 5 Fit Kid clubs in 
the municipality in question, participated 
voluntarily. The sample obtained represents 
82.5% of the total population studied, with a 
mean age of 13.42 ± 1.84 years. Of the 66 
participants, 19 were from the first-class 
level, representing 95% of the population for 
this level and age range, and 47 from the 
second-class level, representing 78.3% of 
the population for this level and age range. 
To facilitate the search for a relationship 
between age and the perception of body 
image, the sample was divided into three age 
ranges based on the three stages of 
adolescence (Güemes-Hidalgo, Ceñal & 
Hidalgo, 2017): the first from 11 to 13 years 
(12.28 ± 0.78), the second from 14 to 16 
years (14.52 ± 0.68), and the third from 17 
years onwards (18 ± 1). 
To obtain the data, basic 
anthropometric techniques and tools were 
used to determine the participants' height, 
weight in kilograms, and to calculate their 
BMI. In addition, the Body Shape 
Questionnaire (BSQ) was administered in its 
Spanish adaptation (Raich, Mora, Soler, 
Clos & Zapater, 1996). This questionnaire 
consists of 34 questions with a Likert 
frequency scale, is self-administered, and 
has 6 response options (1 = never, 2 = rarely, 
3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = very often, and 
6 = always). The BSQ score ranges from 34 
to 204 points, which is the sum of all the 
points obtained in each question, with a cut-
off score of 105 points (Raich, 2001). Scores 
of 105 points and above indicate the 
presence of anxious, negative thoughts in the 
athlete, leading to dissatisfaction with their 
body image as it deviates from their ideal 
body model. This dissatisfaction often 
results in lower self-esteem related to 
physical appearance and a desire to lose 
weight and diet, leading to an extreme 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                404                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
preoccupation with figure and weight. All 
these factors place the athlete at risk of 
developing an eating disorder. 
Furthermore, the 34 items are grouped 
into five factors:  
- Factor 1: concern about weight in 
relation to intake (items 6, 23, 17, 21, 2, 14 
and 19). 
- Factor 2: concern about unsightly 
aspects of obesity (items 28, 30, 5 and 16). 
- Factor 3: general body dissatisfaction 
and concern (items 7, 18 and 13). 
- Factor 4: lower body dissatisfaction 
(items 3 and 10). 
- Factor 5: use of vomiting or laxatives 
to reduce body dissatisfaction (items 26 and 
32). 
To begin the research, the team first 
contacted the coaches of the Fit Kid clubs in 
the municipality involved by telephone to 
arrange visits. Next, the study's objectives, a 
description of the questionnaire and the 
measurements to be taken, the 
characteristics and criteria to be met by the 
athletes, and the process to be followed were 
explained. The athletes were also informed 
about the aims of the research, with an 
emphasis that their participation was 
voluntary and without any form of 
compensation. Upon confirming their 
agreement, informed consent was obtained 
from the legal representatives and athletes of 
legal age. Simultaneously, respect for data 
protection regulations in accordance with the 
Declaration of Helsinki was ensured, 
guaranteeing the anonymity of the athletes. 
Data collection took place between 22 
March and 13 April 2023, during the 
athletes' competitive period. This period was 
chosen as there tends to be greater pressure 
to perform well in training and to achieve 
good results in competition, making the 
information obtained particularly relevant to 
these phases of training. On the specified 
days and at the indicated clubs, the athletes 
were grouped together, and the 
questionnaire was completed either online or 
on paper. In both formats, a series of 
descriptive data (age, sex, and level of 
competition) was included at the start, 
followed by the BSQ questionnaire. Athletes 
spent 10-15 minutes completing the BSQ 
and then proceeded to measure body mass 
(using a Renpho digital scale, accurate to 
0.05 kg) and height (using an Alfa 
measuring rod, accurate to 1 mm) to 
calculate their BMI (kg/m²). The 
measurement of body mass and height was 
conducted in the presence of their coaches 
and one of the authors of this work to clarify 
any doubts. Measurements were taken with 
the athletes barefoot, standing with their feet 
parallel and heels together, fully erect. The 
head, shoulders, and buttocks were in 
contact with a vertical plane (wall). For the 
weight measurements, the athletes were 
barefoot and wore their own training clothes 
(leotard). 
The specialized software SPSS 
(Statistical Product and Service Solutions), 
version 28.0.0.0 (190) from IBM, was used 
for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, 
including means, medians, standard 
deviations, and cross-tabulations, were used 
to analyze the data. Correlations between 
BSQ scores and age, weight, BMI, and 
competition level were assessed using 
Spearman's correlation, while comparisons 
between the two competition level groups 
were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U 
test, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. 
Finally, the internal consistency of the 
instrument, measured by Cronbach's Alpha, 
was found to be adequate (0.962), as this 
value is above the minimum established 
range (0.90-0.95), indicating good internal 
consistency (George & Mallery, 2003). 
 
RESULTS 
 
Firstly, regarding the descriptive data 
(Table 1), the average weight of the athletes 
was 48.31 kg, the average height was 1.55 
m, and the average BMI was 19.9 kg/m². The 
highest averages for weight, height, and 
BMI are found in the third age range and at 
the second-class level, with significant 
differences between levels only for height (p 
= 0.027). Conversely, the lowest averages 
for weight, height, and BMI are found in the 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                405                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
first age range and at the national 
competition level. 
Regarding the sample's score on the 
Body Shape Questionnaire, the mean score 
was 67.44 points, which is below the cut-off 
score, indicating a low general concern for 
body image (Table 1). However, this 
concern increases with age and is considered 
mild for those aged 17 years and older. As 
for the comparison between competition 
levels, a slightly higher score is observed at 
the first-class level, but without significant 
differences (p = 0.197) (Table 1).
 
Table 1  
Weight, height, BMI and BSQ scores of Fit Kid athletes according to age range and 
competition level 
 Total 11-13 14-16 +17 First-class 
Second-
class 
Level 
U-test 
 M (SD) M (SD) M (SD) M (SD) M (SD) M (SD) p 
Weight 
(kg) 
48.31(8.00) 45.01(7.26) 51.81(7.70) 56.04(3.12) 45.61(6.64) 49.40(8.30) 0.095 
Height (m) 1.55(0.07) 1.54(0.07) 1.57(0.07) 1.60(0.05) 1.53(0.05) 1.56(0.08) 0.027 
BMI 
(kg/m²) 
19.90(2.27) 19.10(2.10) 20.95(2.15) 21.95(0.59) 19.45(1.88) 20.08(2.40) 0.492 
BSQ 67.44(27.58) 59.58(23.94) 73.14(27.22) 104.40(19.49) 72.58(23.64) 65.36(29) 0.197 
Note: M-mean; SD-standard deviation; p-significant differences between levels 
 
 
The correlation study shows a 
moderate, positive, and direct association 
between weight and BMI with the BSQ 
scores (Table 2), and this correlation is 
statistically significant (p<0.01). 
Secondly, regarding the results 
associated with body shape (BSQ) according 
to the analysis factors (Table 3), the greatest 
concern is observed in the third age range for 
all factors. Additionally, when focusing on 
the level of competition, greater concern is 
noted at the first-class level for factors 1, 2, 
and 3, and at the second-class level for 
factors 4 and 5. However, no statistically 
significant differences are observed between 
the levels in any of the factors, with factor 1 
approaching the level of significance (p = 
0.058). 
 
 
Table 2 
Correlations of BSQ scores  
 Age Age range Weight BMI Level 
BSQ 0.456** 0.393** 0.477** 0.477** 0.160 
Note. **p<0,01; *p<0,05 
 
It is also noteworthy that factor 4, 
"Body dissatisfaction with respect to the 
lower part of the body," has the highest mean 
score. This indicates that dissatisfaction with 
self-image among the athletes is most 
pronounced concerning the lower part of 
their body. Conversely, factor 5, "Use of 
vomiting or laxatives to reduce body 
dissatisfaction," has the lowest mean score, 
suggesting that, in general, Fit Kid athletes 
did not use these compensatory method. 
 
 
 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                406                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
Table 3 
Mean of the factors according to age range and competition level 
Factor 
Total 11-13 14-16 +17 First-class 
Second-
class 
Levels 
U-test 
M  M M M M M p 
1. Concern about weight in 
relation to intake 
2.06 1.78 2.23 3.63 2.36 1.94 0.058 
2. Concern about unsightly 
aspects of obesity 
1.98 1.70 2.07 3.85 2.13 1.92 0.361 
3. General body dissatisfaction 
and concern 
1.62 1.36 1.94 2.40 1.72 1.58 0.143 
4. Lower body dissatisfaction 2.14 1.95 2.34 2.80 2.03 2.18 0.896 
5. Use of vomiting or laxatives 
to reduce body dissatisfaction 
1.06 1.02 1.05 1.40 1.03 1.08 0.478 
Note: M-mean; p-significant differences between levels 
 
Finally, regarding the results that show 
significant differences between levels (Table 
4), we note in factor 1, "Concern about 
weight in relation to intake," that item 17, 
"Eating sweets, cakes, or other high-calorie 
foods—has it made you feel fat?" (p = 0.036) 
and item 19, "Have you felt excessively fat 
or rounded?" (p = 0.043) show significant 
differences. Additionally, values close to the 
pre-specified significance level are observed 
in item 14, "Being naked (e.g., when you 
take a shower)—did it make you feel fat?" (p 
= 0.065) and item 21, "Worrying about your 
figure—did it make you go on a diet?" (p = 
0.053). On the other hand, in factor 3, 
"General body dissatisfaction and concern," 
item 13, "Has thinking about your figure 
interfered with your ability to concentrate 
(when watching TV, reading, or having a 
conversation)?" (p = 0.063) is close to the 
pre-specified significance level. 
 
Table 4 
Intake concerns according to age range and level of competition 
F
a
ct
o
r 
It
em
 Total 11-13 14-16 +17 First-class 
Second-
class 
Levels 
U-test 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
p 
1
 
2 2.50 
2.64 
(1.50) 
2 
2.23 
(1.37) 
3 
3.10 
(1.51) 
4 
4 
(1.23) 
3 
3 
(1.33) 
2 
2.49 
(1.55) 
0.130 
6 2 
2.26 
(1.33) 
1 
2 
(1.28) 
2 
2.43 
(1.25) 
3 
3.60 
(1.34) 
3 
2.58 
(1.31) 
2 
2.13 
(1.33) 
0.153 
14 1 
1.65 
(0.94) 
1 
1.40 
(0.71) 
1 
1.81 
(1.08) 
3 
3 
(0.71) 
2 
2 
(1.05) 
1 
1.51 
(0.86) 
0.065 
17 2 
2.35 
(1.50) 
1 
2.10 
(1.46) 
2 
2.33 
(1.24) 
4 
4.40 
(1.52) 
3 
2.79 
(1.13) 
1 
2.17 
(1.60) 
0.036 
19 1 
1.44 
(0.79) 
1 
1.23 
(0.48) 
1 
1.67 
(1.11) 
2 
2.20 
(0.45) 
2 
1.63 
(0.76) 
1 
1.36 
(0.79) 
0.043 
21 1 
2.08 
(1.37) 
1 
1.75 
(1.19) 
2 
2.19 
(1.29) 
4 
4.20 
(1.30) 
3 
2.58 
(1.50) 
1 
1.87 
(1.28) 
0.053 
23 1 
2.03 
(1.46) 
1 
1.78 
(1.39) 
2 
2.05 
(1.24) 
4 
4 
(1.58) 
2 
1.95 
(1.08) 
1 
2.06 
(1.59) 
0.564 
2
 
5 1.50 
1.86 
(1.07) 
1 
1.68 
(0.89) 
1 
1.76 
(0.89) 
4 
3.80 
(1.30) 
1 
1.89 
(1.10) 
2 
1.85 
(1.06) 
0.927 
16 2 
2.14 
(1.24) 
1.50 
1.75 
(0.95) 
2 
2.29 
(1.06) 
5 
4.60 
(1.14) 
3 
2.42 
(1.22) 
2 
2.02 
(1.24) 
0.150 
28 1 
1.48 
(1.09) 
1 
1.25 
(0.59) 
1 
1.57 
(1.25) 
3 
3 
(2.12) 
1 
1.58 
(1.35) 
1 
1.45 
(0.97) 
0.954 
30 2 
2.42 
(1.40) 
2 
2.10 
(1.22) 
3 
2.67 
(1.59) 
4 
4 
(0.71) 
3 
2.63 
(1.42) 
2 
2.34 
(1.40) 
0.371 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
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3
 
7 1 
1.92 
(1.33) 
1 
1.55 
(0.97) 
2 
2.48 
(1.69) 
3 
2.60 
(1.14) 
1 
2.05 
(1.31) 
1 
1.87 
(1.35) 
0.503 
13 1 
1.62 
(0.99) 
1 
1.27 
(0.72) 
2 
1.90 
(1.09) 
3 
3.20 
(0.45) 
2 
1.79 
(0.79) 
1 
1.55 
(1.06) 
0.063 
18 1 
1.32 
(0.70) 
1 
1.25 
(0.63) 
1 
1.43 
(0.81) 
1 
1.40 
(0.89) 
1 
1.32 
(0.67) 
1 
1.32 
(0.73) 
0.894 
4
 
3 2 
2.24 
(1.27) 
2 
1.90 
(1.08) 
3 
2.62 
(1.32) 
3 
3.40 
(1.52) 
2 
2.32 
(1.11) 
2 
2.21 
(1.33) 
0.550 
10 2 
2.03 
(1.12) 
1 
2 
(1.22) 
2 
2.05 
(1.07) 
2 
2.20 
(0.45) 
2 
1.74 
(0.73) 
2 
2.15 
(1.23) 
0.339 
5
 
26 1 
1.11 
(0.40) 
1 
1.02 
(0.16) 
1 
1.10 
(0.30) 
1 
1.80 
(1.10) 
1 
1 
(0) 
1 
1.15 
(0.47) 
0.143 
32 1 
1.02 
(0.12) 
1 
1.02 
(0.16) 
1 
1 
(0) 
1 
1 
(0) 
1 
1.05 
(0.23) 
1 
1 
(0) 
0.116 
Note: Me-median; M-mean; SD-standard deviation; p-significant differences between levels. 
 
DISCUSSION 
 
The main objective of this research was 
to analyze the current state of body image 
among Fit Kid athletes according to age 
ranges and competition levels (first and 
second class). Additionally, it aimed to 
identify the type of association between 
higher weight and BMI and greater concern 
for body image. 
Firstly, with regard to the relationship 
between weight and BMI of Fit Kid athletes 
and a high score on the body image 
perception scale, we observed a moderate 
positive association between weight 
(r=0.477) (p=<0.01) and BMI (r=0.477) 
(p=<0.01) and a greater concern and 
dissatisfaction with body image among the 
athletes. 
Regarding the perception of body 
image, Lombardo et al. (2012) related a 
sufficiently low or optimal weight with even 
more pronounced body dissatisfaction in 
children practicing aesthetic sports. They 
found that these children, who were already 
thinner than those participating in non-
aesthetic sports or those not engaged in 
sports, wished to be even thinner. Similarly, 
Vernetta, Montosa, and Peláez (2018) 
observed that while acrobatic gymnasts 
generally showed good body satisfaction 
associated with a healthy BMI, 12.1% of 
rhythmic gymnasts expressed a desire to be 
even thinner. In contrast, Ariza, Salas, 
López, and Vernetta (2021) concluded that 
adolescent acrobatic gymnasts were more 
satisfied with their self-image than non-
acrobatic gymnasts. 
Also, in relation to age, the highest 
mean BSQ scores in the present study were 
found in the third age range (17 years and 
older), indicating a mild concern about body 
image. In the other age ranges, and in 
general, no significant body image 
dissatisfaction was observed. However, the 
association between age or age range and 
questionnaire scores was relevant, according 
to correlational studies. 
In this sense, Little, Howell, Armento, 
McCarthy, and Sweeney (2023) found 
greater anxiety and concern about weight at 
older ages, as their research indicated that 
older gymnasts exhibited higher levels of 
concern. This increased body dissatisfaction 
in the older age range could be explained by 
the higher BMI values that occur with age 
during developmental growth (Maganto & 
Cruz, 2002), as age and BMI have a 
significant positive relationship (Vernetta, 
Peláez, Ariza & López, 2018), as observed 
in the present study. Additionally, a higher 
BMI may trigger a greater desire for thinness 
or lower satisfaction with body image 
(Maganto & Cruz, 2002). Conversely, this 
F
a
ct
o
r 
It
em
 Total 11-13 14-16 +17 First-class 
Second-
class 
Levels 
U-test 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
Me 
M 
(SD) 
p 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                408                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
can result in a discordance between 
perceived BMI and actual BMI due to a 
distortion of body image, causing 
individuals who are underweight or at the 
lower limit of normal weight to overestimate 
their weight (Durán et al., 2013). 
Furthermore, a higher muscle mass (for the 
same height) results in a higher BMI, which 
contributes to dissatisfaction among many 
aesthetic sportswomen (Valles et al., 2020). 
Consequently, reduced intake often leads to 
low energy availability, which poses 
additional health risks for female athletes. 
On the other hand, the association 
between BSQ scores and level of 
competition was low. Within this analysis, 
the highest scores were observed at the 
higher level of competition, indicating a 
more negative perception of body image. 
However, the differences between the two 
levels were not statistically significant. 
Kong and Harris (2014) found that, at 
elite levels—regardless of the sport—and in 
thinness-focused sports, athletes more 
commonly exhibited symptoms typical of 
eating disorders, as well as a higher rate of 
preoccupation and lower satisfaction with 
self-image. Similarly, Salas, Gutiérrez, 
Ariza, and Vernetta (2023) observed this 
trend among Spanish acrobatic gymnasts, 
where international-level gymnasts showed 
higher rates of body dissatisfaction and a 
greater tendency towards thinness compared 
to athletes at other levels of competition. 
In reference to the factors that caused 
the most concern among the athletes, there 
was a notable dissatisfaction with the lower 
part of their body, particularly regarding the 
thighs, buttocks, hips, and waist, including 
the measurements and proportions of these 
areas. This dissatisfaction was more 
pronounced on average from the age of 17 
onwards but did not significantly differ 
between competition levels. The only 
significant differences between levels were 
observed in some items related to concerns 
about intake. 
In this respect, Maganto and Cruz 
(2002) argued that the area of the body 
generating the least dissatisfaction in women 
was the face, while the upper and lower 
torso, and particularly the waist, caused 
much higher dissatisfaction. Their findings 
align with the present study, which identified 
the lower torso, and more specifically the 
thighs, buttocks, and hips, as focal points of 
significant concern and dissatisfaction with 
body image. Similarly, Salazar (2008) found 
notable dissatisfaction with various body 
parts, including the complexion, nose, chest, 
abdomen, waist, thighs, and legs, among 
adolescents of both genders, with a 
particular focus on dissatisfaction with the 
arms. Additionally, Salazar's study revealed 
that females were more concerned with areas 
such as the abdomen, legs, hips, thighs, and 
waist compared to males. 
Among the limitations of the study, it is 
important to note the scarcity of research on 
the Fit Kid discipline and the significance of 
body image perception among its 
practitioners. Additionally, the sample size 
may be too small to fully represent the 
discipline in the province analyzed, as well 
as within the specific geographical context 
of the research. Other variables, such as the 
athletes' years of competitive experience, 
different training periods, and the profiles of 
coaches and technical staff, were not 
considered. These limitations should be 
taken into account when generalizing the 
results. Therefore, further research is needed 
to explore how body image perception 
evolves during different training periods and 
to examine potential differences in body 
image perception across various aesthetic 
sports. 
 
CONCLUSIONS 
 
The main conclusions drawn from the 
study are as follows: there is a positive 
association between BMI and BSQ scores, 
indicating that higher BMI and weight 
values are linked to greater body image 
concerns among Fit Kid athletes. Generally, 
higher levels of body image dissatisfaction 
were observed at the first-class level, the 
most demanding competitive level, 
highlighting the need to be vigilant about 
Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
Science of Gymnastics Journal                                409                           Science of Gymnastics Journal 
potential body image distortions that could 
lead to eating-related behavioral disorders. 
Lastly, the factor that caused the most 
concern among participants was 'Body 
Dissatisfaction Regarding the Lower Body.' 
This concern was slightly more pronounced 
in the third age range and at the second-class 
level, although no significant differences 
between levels were observed. 
These results can be very useful for 
coaches of aesthetic sports in general and Fit 
Kid coaches in particular. Understanding the 
degree of body shape dissatisfaction among 
athletes can help detect potential risk 
situations for the development of eating 
disorders. Being aware of these issues would 
enable coaches to make informed decisions, 
such as focusing on psychological work 
aimed at improving self-concept and self-
esteem. 
In this regard, coaches could emphasize 
the importance of a balanced diet for overall 
health rather than focusing on athletes' 
physical appearance. This includes avoiding 
negative comments about weight or the 
pressure to achieve an excessively thin 
physique, which could negatively impact the 
athlete. Additionally, promoting training 
seminars for coaches on these issues, 
including their symptoms and health 
consequences, could be beneficial. 
Encouraging a training environment that 
fosters positive feedback, sets process-
oriented goals, establishes objectives of 
moderate difficulty, promotes social 
relationships, and supports body acceptance 
and self-esteem could be advantageous for 
professionals involved with Fit Kid. 
Our findings underscore the importance 
of having a team of specialists, such as sports 
psychologists and nutritionists, to monitor 
athletes’ health, performance, and emotional 
well-being, taking into account their level of 
competition and age. 
 
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Selva Antón & Ávalos Ramos: : PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES              Vol. 16, Issue 3:401-412 
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Corresponding author: 
 
Lucía Selva Antón, 
Faculty of Education, University of 
Alicante, Calle Aeroplano, s/n. 03690 San 
Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain, 
phone: (+34) 606701338, 
e-mail: lsa49@gcloud.ua.es  
 
Article received: 3.12.2023 
Article accepted: 2.4.2024