Biochemical blood parameters, dietary patterns, physical activity and body composition of young women and men who correctly and incorrectly assess their own body shape.

The aim of the study was to compare biochemical blood parameters (selected hormones and metabolites) in young women and men with different levels of physical activity (female and male students of universities of physical education and other universities) who differed significantly in their subjective assessment of their own body shape. Additionally, dietary habits and body fat content were assessed, and in women, menstrual cycle characteristics (cycle length and regularity) were evaluated. The rationale for undertaking this research was based on an analysis of the international literature, which indicates that, due to the prevailing cultural emphasis on a slim body shape, many women excessively restrict their energy intake as a result of an inaccurate perception of their own body. This phenomenon, although less frequent, is also observed in men. At the same time, there is a lack of data regarding the relationships between subjective body image perception, energy intake, and metabolic changes, with the exception of studies analyzing cortisol concentrations, which suggest excessive activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in women who inaccurately assess their body shape. Furthermore, no data have been identified concerning potential metabolic disturbances in men with an incorrect perception of their own body shape.