Unveiling the links between intuitive exercise, exercise addiction, and body image: a latent profile analysis

Intuitive exercise is an adaptive approach to physical activity, fostering a positive attitude toward the body. However, this construct is still underexplored: addressing relations with other dimensions involved in body image and physical activity appears necessary. This study aimed to identify distinct profiles based on physical activity attitudes and body image and to examine their differences in other psychologically relevant constructs. A sample of 756 participants (age: M = 42.95; SD = 12.52; women: 49.9%), engaging in physical activity, completed self-report questionnaires assessing intuitive exercise, exercise addiction, body surveillance, body and functionality appreciation, intuitive eating, problematic eating behaviours, self-compassion, general distress, and body image's impact on quality of life. Latent profile analysis revealed three groups: (1) “respect/connection with the body,” (2) “appearance-focused and addiction,” and (3) “emotion regulation/active.” The first and third groups showed more positive outcomes on body image and physical activity, opposite to the second. However, the second and third groups reported higher weekly engagement in physical activity and general distress, potentially increasing the risk of exercise addiction. This study provided novel insights on intuitive exercise, highlighting how its dimensions could relate to both functional and dysfunctional attitudes toward body image and physical activity.