Relationship between exercise persistence and body image among overweight Chinese college students: the mediating role of fat talk and body self-esteem

IntroductionExercise persistence is important for the well-being of overweight college students. However, the psychological mechanisms linking sustained exercise participation to body image are unexplored. This study examined the relationship between exercise persistence and body image among overweight Chinese college students, together with the mediating roles of fat talk and body self-esteem.MethodsOverall, 750 overweight college students from several Chinese universities completed the Exercise Persistence, Fat Talk, Body Self-Esteem, and Body Image Scales. Correlations and a chained mediation model explored the relationships among the study variables.ResultsExercise persistence was positively associated with body image and body self-esteem and negatively associated with fat talk. Fat talk was negatively related to body self-esteem and body image, whereas body self-esteem was positively associated with body image. Mediation analyses indicated that fat talk and body self-esteem mediated the relationship between exercise persistence and body image through both independent and sequential pathways.ConclusionSustained exercise engagement is linked to positive body image through reduced fat talk and enhanced body self-esteem. The findings suggest directions for future longitudinal and intervention research.