Introduction. According to modern research, in recent years, due to the spread of inflated standards of thinness and attractiveness, young women have increased dissatisfaction with their appearance, contributing to a decrease in self-esteem and increased sensitivity to rejection due to appearance. The aim of the study was to compare the subjective assessment of weight, sensitivity to rejection due to appearance, satisfaction with body image, and self-esteem of female students engaged in rhythmic gymnastics and non-sports students. Methods. Sample: 80 female students aged 18-23 years (40 professional gymnasts and 40 non-athletes). Methods: socio-biographical questionnaire, BISS body image state scale, "Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity, ARS", Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale RSES. Methods of mathematical statistics: descriptive statistics, Student's criterion for independent samples, correlation analysis (Pearson's criterion), and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. Significant differences in body mass index were found in the comparison groups. Subjective perception of their weight often does not correspond to objective categorization according to WHO criteria in gymnasts compared to their non-athlete peers. Gymnasts are more likely to receive negative assessments of their appearance than female students without professional sports experience. Significant correlations were found between sensitivity to rejection due to appearance and body image satisfaction and self-esteem in both groups. Low body image satisfaction is associated with increased sensitivity to rejection due to appearance in girls aged 18-23 years. Discussion. Potential causes of differences in subjective weight assessments among female rhythmic gymnasts and female students not involved in professional sports. For the first time, a comparative analysis of the sensitivity to rejection due to appearance was performed between female students engaged in professional rhythmic gymnastics and those who are not involved in sports. Furthermore, the relationships between these indicators and the experience of negative appearance-related evaluations from others, body image satisfaction, and self-esteem were analyzed.