The aim of this study was to analyze the social construction of knowledge in physical activity from two theoretical approaches to health focusing the analysis on the relationship with body image and living conditions. This is a theoretical study from the analysis narrative content of 98 articles cut developed in five stages through: Document tracking database in the period of 2000-2014, review articles, and analysis and findings of meanings, senses or contents. As important finding can be mentioned in the scientific literature related to the triad physical-picture activity body-living dominates the construction of knowledge from hegemonic and dominant models that prioritize the intensity, frequency and time spent on the AF, standardization in comparing physical appearance and measurement of material elements in the lifestyle of people, mainly from addressing the social determinants of health. It concludes that it is necessary to revise populations including studies to be concentrated in a few knowledge groups; and it made explicit the need to review which are the contributions of physical education and other disciplines (social sciences) for further A.F theoretical and practical understanding.
