A Mixed Methods Comparison of Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise Between Obese and Nonobese Women

Abstract

Background Obese women have lower levels of physical activity than non-obese women, but it is unclear what drives these differences. Methods Mixed methods were used to understand why obese women have lower physical activity levels. Findings from focus groups with obese white women age 50 and older (N=19) were used to develop psychosocial items for an online survey of white women (N=195). After examining the relationship between weight group (obese vs. non-obese) and exercise attitudes, associated items (p<0.05) were tested for potential mediation of the relationship between weight and physical activity. Results Obese women were less likely than non-obese women to report that they enjoy exercise (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2–0.8) and were more likely to agree their weight makes exercise difficult (OR=10.6, 95%CI 4.2–27.1) and they only exercise when trying to lose weight (OR=3.8, 95%CI 1.6–8.9). Enjoyment and exercise for weight loss were statistically significant mediators of the relationship between weight and physical activity. Conclusions Exercise interventions for obese women may be improved by focusing on exercise enjoyment and the benefits of exercise that are independent of weight-loss.

Accomplishment Index Analysis of the Sociophysical Activities of Community-Based Organizations in a Postconflict Area of Africa

“…CBOs = community-based organizations; PAI = Perceived Accomplishment Index; AAI = actual accomplishment index. (Creswell, 2003;Leone & Ward, 2013). This agreed with the works of Reinikka and Collier (2001), Collier and Hoeffler (2002), Collier (2003), Short (2003), Narman and Vidanapathirana (2005), and Luckham (2017).…”

Barriers to physical activity in obese adults: A rapid evidence assessment

“…Qualitative studies by Peacock et al (2014) and Thomas et al (2008) report health issues in general as barriers to physical activity; however, methodological and reporting limitations make it difficult to interpret exactly what is meant by these findings. Several women surveyed by Leone and Ward (2013) for the quantitative part of their mixed methods study mentioned that illness or medical conditions prevented them from taking part in physical activity; however, again this was not elaborated on. Bond et al (2013) and Napolitano et al (2011) both identified lack of energy as a barrier in obese individuals, but prevalence is not significantly different from the general population (Napolitano et al, 2011).…”

Beliefs, Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

“…Also, a qualitative study that explored PA experiences of bariatric surgery candidates found that excess weight was considered an obstacle to PA, primarily due to joint pain and difficulty due to a bigger body size, in addition to self-consciousness [29]. In studies that compared obese adults to their non-obese counterparts, physical barriers such as pain and tiredness and feeling self-conscious were more frequently reported by obese people [19,25,30]. Thus, converging evidence from multiple studies that involved varied designs suggests that physical and self-presentational barriers are particularly important for obese people.…”

“…Although previous research has investigated barriers and facilitators to PA in overweight and obese adults [24,25], there is a relative dearth of research on bariatric surgery candidates [26]. Bariatric surgery candidates may have a different perception of factors that influence PA when compared to the general obese population, since surgery is usually considered after repeated unsuccessful attempts to lose weight using conservative methods [27].…”