Abstract

The present study examined the correlation between Body Image and BMI, among 50 Indian Female powerlifters. Although powerlifting is focused on strength and normally leads to higher BMI due to higher muscle mass, society pushes towards a desire to be thinner, which may cause body dissatisfaction. Investigators utilized the Body-Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and  association between BMI and body image was negatively significant (r = -0.33, p = 0.0186). This indicates that with increasing BMI, more athletes perceive their body image negatively, despite the fact that a higher BMI in athletes is generally associated with muscle mass. However, the average BIQ score showed mainly positive perceptions of self. The research underscores the psychological conflict female athletes may experience between performance-oriented bodies and societal beauty standards. It also demands more supportive sports environments which prioritise strength, function, and health over appearance and advises against placing excessive value on BMI as an indicator of health in athletic populations.

Keywords: Body image, Female Athletes, Powerlifting, Body-Image Questionnaire (BIQ), Body Mass Index (BMI)