Social ecological correlates of physical activity in normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals

OBJECTIVE: Research is limited concerning the moderating influence of weight status ( ie normal, over, and obese) on the social ecological correlates of physical activity ( PA) in adults. Therefore, the present study attempted to shed light on this issue. DESIGN: In 2001, a national cross- sectional mail out panel survey was conducted over a 3- month period in the United States. SUBJECTS: There were 1867 normal weight ( ie body mass index ( BMI) = 20 - 24.99 kg/ m(2)), 2145 overweight ( ie BMI = 25 - 29.99 kg/ m(2)), and 1902 obese ( ie BMI430 kg/ m(2)) adults. MEASURES: Various demographic measurements were taken in addition to social support ( SS), self- efficacy ( SE), access to facilities, and PA. RESULTS: Normal weight individuals engaged in significantly more PA than overweight individuals, who in turn engaged in significantly more PA than obese individuals F( 2,5991) = 55.51, P < 0.01. Further regression analyses showed that higher SE, SS, the access to facilities in a neighborhood, and various interactions among these constructs were significantly and positively associated with PA. Interestingly, the strength of these relationships varied depending on weight status. CONCLUSION: Weight status needs to be taken into consideration when examining social ecological correlates of PA.