A new study has revealed that nearly one in five women say their breasts stop them participating in physical activity.
The survey by the University of Portsmouth's Research Group in Breast Health found that physical activity levels are not influenced by breast size, which suggests they could be a barrier to exercise for women across all bra sizes, News.com.au reported.
Researcher Emma Burnett found that breasts were ranked fourth as a barrier to exercise after lack of energy, time constraints and health reasons, while ranked above cost of exercise, access to facilities, not having the right clothing, not having any company while exercising, and feeling embarrassed about doing sport.
The study also found that 17 per cent of the 239 women surveyed were discouraged from participating in physical activity because of their breasts.
According to the survey, the most influential factors preventing women taking exercise include not being able to find the right sports bra and being embarrassed by excessive breast movement.
The study was published online in the Journal Of Physical Activity And Health.
