Latent class analysis of disordered eating, body mass index, fatphobia, and mental health-related quality of life in physically active adults

This study identified distinct latent profiles of physically active adults based on body mass index (BMI), fatphobia attitudes, disordered eating (DE) behaviors, and mental health-related quality of life (MHRQL). A convenience sample of 398 physically active adults in Jordan completed validated Fat Phobia Scale-12, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Latent Profile Analysis revealed a two-class solution (entropy = 0.83, BLRT p = 0.01). Class 1 (82.5%) represented a “Low Risk Profile” with lower BMI ( M = 24.68), moderate fatphobia ( M = 35.14), low DE risk ( M = 14.47), and better mental health ( M = 66.70). Class 2 (17.5%) constituted a “High Risk Profile” with higher BMI ( M = 27.59), elevated fatphobia ( M = 36.65), high DE risk ( M = 35.60), and poorer mental health ( M = 61.57). Physical activity may not provide uniform protection against fatphobia and DE risk, and is associated with varying levels of MHRQL, supporting person-centered interventions.