226391 Barriers and motivators to physical activity among overweight and obese baby boomer men

Monday, November 8, 2010

Christopher K. Wirth, PhD , Physical Education and Exercise Science, Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC
Delores C.S. James, PhD , Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Boomers are developing obesity earlier in life than previous generations due primarily to poor eating habits and low levels of physical activity. This study explored the barriers and motivators to physical activity among male baby boomers as well as their preferred types of activities. A self-administered survey was completed by 211 male baby boomers in North Central Florida. Based on BMI, 42.7% were overweight, 38.9% were obese, and 17.1% were normal. With regard to planned moderate cardiovascular activity, (13.3%) exercised 5-7 times per week, (26.5%) exercised 3-4 times per week, (25.1%) exercised 1-2 times per week, and (32.3%) did not exercise regularly. The most common physical activities were walking (59.7%), biking (19.9%), and running (17.5%). The reported barriers to physical activity were: not having time (32.7%), getting home too late (25.6%), not motivated (21.3%) physical activity not a priority (17.5%), getting enough exercise at work (15.6%), would rather rest and relax (14.7%), and don't like exercise (10.9%). Motivators to physical activity included: wanting to lose weight (54.5%), being diagnosed with a disease or illness (37.0%), being told by a doctor (32.2%), and having someone to exercise with (30.8%). The high rates of overweight and obesity prevalence along with limited cardiovascular activity suggest that weight loss programs for male baby boomers must emphasize physical activity. Walking is a low intensity cardiovascular activity that is acceptable to these men. Weight loss programs that include preferred forms of physical activity, possibly in conjunction with social interaction, may be more suitable for this population.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
1.Identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity of baby boomer men. 2.Discuss the barriers and motivators toward physical activity as identified by baby boomer men. 3.List the types of physical activities preferred by baby boomer men. 4.Formulate strategies to motivate baby boomer men to use physical activity as a means for weight loss as based on their recognized preferences.

Keywords: Weight Management, Male Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: The data provided in the abstract is from my dissertation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.