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/m2), 2145 overweight (ie BMI=25-29.99 kg/m2), and 1902 obese (ie BMI>30 kg/m2) 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.