Overweight Children - Study
Overweight Children's Barriers to and Support
for Physical Activity
Overweight Children Study - Aim
As the epidemic of overweight increases among youth, research needs to
examine factors that may influence children's participation in weight-related
health behaviors. This study examined overweight children's perceived
barriers to and support for physical activity compared with non-overweight
children.
Overweight Children Study - Methods
Barriers to and support for physical activity were examined among 84 overweight
children attending a summer fitness camp or a university-based weight
loss clinic. Barriers and support levels were then compared with those
of 80 non-overweight children of a similar age range.
Overweight Children Study - Results
Body-related barriers were the most predominant barrier type among overweight
youth, especially among overweight girls. Overweight children, particularly
girls, reported significantly higher body-related, resource, and social
barriers to physical activity compared with non-overweight children and
lower levels of adult support for physical activity.
Overweight Children Study - Issues
Overweight children may be particularly vulnerable to body-related barriers
to physical activity, and reducing such barriers may serve as physical
activity intervention points most relevant for overweight youth. Future
interventions may also benefit from enhancing support for physical activity
from adults and peers.
Source: San Diego State University/University
of California. 2003
Weight Loss News
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loss diet program is best and so forth. At present, however, a balanced
diet combined with regular exercise remains the favorite weight loss strategy
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