WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS?

Abstract

Background: One key factor influencing weight management in adolescents and young adults appears to be social media (SM). Understanding how social networks affect health behavior has gained attention in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the role that social media plays in weight management among university students in Slovakia. Methods: A questionnaire survey (Social media use questionnaire, Figure Rating Scale 2, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to conduct this research. The sample comprised 313 university students from Slovakia (115 males, 198 females). Results: We found that students who want to change their body type do not engage in more physical activity. Similarly, fitness-related content on social media does not increase the frequency of physical activity. We found that women who want to change their body type tend to compare their bodies with their peers on SM at a significantly higher rate. Conclusion: Future research should focus on different SM platforms and the expertise of individual fitness influencers.