Body Image and Physical Activity - a psychological, educational and public health perspective for higher education

We applied to address physical inactivity in Europe, which impacts health, well-being, and the economy. Body dissatisfaction, linked to lower activity levels, is prevalent, especially among marginalised groups. Existing higher education lacked structured training on body image and inclusion in physical activity. This project aimed to fill that gap by equipping professionals with essential skills to foster inclusive environments. It aligned with EU priorities for education reform and investment in continuous professional development to enhance resilience and social inclusion. We addressed the following needs: Reducing Physical Inactivity – Encouraging participation through body-positive approaches. Supporting Marginalised Groups – Addressing higher body dissatisfaction among disadvantaged populations. Enhancing Professional Education – Providing training on inclusion, diversity, and mental health. Aligning with EU Priorities – Meeting the European Commission’s call for educational reforms. The project empowered professionals to create safer, more inclusive environments, fostering long-term change in physical activity participation across Europe.

A significant proportion of Europeans did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines, with inactivity levels rising during the pandemic. Despite the potential of sport and physical activity to enhance body image, concerns about judgment and societal pressures often discouraged participation, particularly among vulnerable groups. This project developed comprehensive resources for current and future health and sport professionals, equipping them with the skills to foster inclusive, supportive, and non-judgmental physical activity environments. These materials aimed to promote positive body image, address psychological barriers to engagement, and encourage sustainable participation. By embedding these practices across Europe, the project contributed to the development of more welcoming, accessible, and equitable sports and physical activity spaces.

Six partners collaborated through four physical and seven online meetings to develop an expanded 20 ECTS programme, surpassing the initial 15 ECTS target. Now spread across 14 courses, this flexible structure allows universities to create 15 or 7.5 ECTS courses, ensuring seamless integration into diverse academic systems. The micro-credential offerings grew from three to four specialised courses: Body Confident Practice Body Image, Inclusion, and Diversity Positive Motivation for Physical Activity Practice Body Image and Physical Education Each requires 27 study hours and enhances professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes for inclusive practices. The integration of Body Image and Inclusive Physical Activity (BIIPA) into undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning programmes reinforces long-term commitment to body-inclusive education and professional development across Europe.

Implementing those curricula for future and current professionals in physical education, healthcare, sports coaching, and public health can significantly enhanced their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Key dissemination efforts supported this impact, exceeding initial targets. The project successfully launched and maintained a dedicated website, that will be active for 5 years after the project ended. All the material is available there for download, including complete lectures and training materials together with a structured dissemination and exploitation plan. We also launched an online training course for lifelong learning. Engagement efforts surpassed expectations, with 11 dissemination events reaching 335 participants (exceeding the target of five events with 150 participants). A total of 105 recorded dissemination activities and 54 conference, workshop, and lecture presentations further amplified outreach. The project reached 43,581 individuals—far exceeding the initial goal of 1,000. Qualitative interviews were conducted in every participating country, verifying the need and reinforcing long-term impact.