Weight-related health beliefs and engagement in physical activity among community-dwelling overweight and obese older adults in Virginia

We evaluated the association of weight-related health beliefs (weight misperception [No vs. Yes] and weight satisfaction [very satisfied=1 to very dissatisfied=5]) with physical activity (PA) engagement among a community-dwelling sample of overweight and obese adults aged 50-75 years.  Data were from a cross-sectional, mailed survey sent to a random sample of 2,527 residents of 18 Virginia counties in Spring 2013.  Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations.  N=1547 total respondents returned the survey (63.4% response rate), of whom N=1197 were overweight (44%) or obese (56%) per self-reported height and weight.  Average age was 62 years (sd=6.8), 29% African American, 54% female, and 74% married.  Forty-one percent met criteria for being engaged in PA (≥150 minutes of PA per week).  Respondents were slightly satisfied with their weight (mean=2.6, sd=1.2) and 30% had weight misperception (i.e., considered themselves neither overweight nor obese).  In unadjusted models, both weight-related health beliefs were significantly associated (p=<0.0001) with PA engagement.  Adjusted models controlling for age, gender, race, education, body mass index, health insurance and marital status, and community obesity rates and proportion of fast food restaurants supported an association between PA engagement and weight-related health beliefs: PA engagement was associated with weight misperception (OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.04 – 2.04) and increasing weight satisfaction (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.08 – 1.42).  Results contrast prior research suggesting an association between weight misperception and physical inactivity, but are consistent with some prior research findings regarding weight satisfaction.  The causal relationships between weight-related beliefs and engagement in PA, as well as overall obesity reduction efforts, warrant additional study.