Overweight children's barriers to and support for physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
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 nonoverweight children.


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 nonoverweight children of a similar age range.


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 nonoverweight children and lower levels of adult support for physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Zabinski
Marion F
MF
San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California, USA.
Saelens
Brian E
BE
Stein
Richard I
RI
Hayden-Wade
Helen A
HA
Wilfley
Denise E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012649:Self Concept; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss