Correlates of physical activity among overweight and obese populations: A review of the literature

Abstract

The dose-response association between physical activity (PA) and obesity is well-established; however, the correlates of PA among overweight and obese populations require clarification. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the correlates of PA among overweight and obese populations. Literature searches were conducted for English and Japanese-language published articles, between Jan 2000 and Dec 2010, using “PubMed”, “Medline”, “Psycinfo” and the “Japan Medical Abstract Society”. A total of nine eligible articles were included in the analysis: five studies compared the PA correlates between normal-weight and overweight/obese populations; and four studies examined PA correlates in overweight/obese populations. Consistent correlates of PA among overweight and obese populations were age, self-efficacy, social support, perceived good access to facilities, and seeing people being active in the neighborhood. For obesity prevention, particularly in non-Western countries, further research is required with the purpose of developing effective PA interventions among overweight and obese populations. Future studies should examine both perceived and objectively-assessed environmental factors associated with specific PA behavior.

Keywords

• physical activity
• overweight
• disease prevention
• exercise
• review