The mediating role of exercise behaviour on satisfaction with life, mental well-being and BMI among university employees

Abstract

Background: Health is one of our greatest assets, yet we often neglect our physical health. According to the WHO, the obesity epidemic is of global concern. This article aimed to understand how a physically active lifestyle could lead to higher levels of mental well-being and life satisfaction. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the life satisfaction, mental well-being and body mass index (BMI) of employees at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Methods: A group of 320 SQU employees (176 males and 144 females) with a mean age of 46.14 ± 9.32 years participated in this study. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were used to measure life satisfaction and mental well-being. Additionally, BMI and exercise behaviour, which was based on weekly participation in a number of intentional sports activities and exercise, were measured. Results: The study revealed that participants who were more physically active, compared to those who were less active, experienced higher levels of mental well-being and were generally more satisfied with their lives. The findings also indicated that participants with a healthy body mass index (BMI = 20–25) enjoyed higher levels of life satisfaction than those classified as overweight or obese (BMI > 25). Finally, the study showed no significant differences between the gender and age groups. Conclusions: This study concluded that a physically active lifestyle can lead to higher levels of mental well-being and can improve life satisfaction. A healthy BMI may play a considerable role in increasing the levels of life satisfaction in adults.

Keywords

• exercise
• physical activity
• well-being
• life satisfaction
• bmi