PURPOSE: To investigate differences in
physical activity and attitude toward
physical activity in
adolescents with different degrees of
overweight and explore whether the prediction of
physical activity by attitude is moderated by level of
overweight. METHODS: Subjects were divided into a normal-weight group (n = 37, 18.8 +/- 1.2 kg/m2), an
overweight group (n = 28, 25.9 +/- 1.3 kg/m2), and an
obese group (n = 24, 33.7 +/- 4.1 kg/m2).
Mean age was 14.6 +/- 1.2 years, with 72% girls.
Physical activity was estimated using the Baecke Questionnaire. Attitude was measured by assessing perceived benefits and barriers. RESULTS: Participation in sports was higher in normal-weight compared with
overweight (
p < .05) and
obese (
p < .01) subjects. There was
no difference in leisure-time
physical activity between groups. Perceived benefits did not differ between groups, but normal-weight subjects perceived less barriers ('physical complaints', 'not being good at it', 'insecure about appearance', 'not liking it') than their
overweight (
p < .05) and
obese (
p < .001) counterparts.
Obese adolescents had a less positive attitude compared with their normal-weight (
p < .001) and
overweight (
p < .05) peers. Sport participation was significantly predicted by the perceived benefit 'pleasure' (
p < .05) and by the perceived barrier 'not liking it' (
p < .001), after taking into account level of
overweight. The association between sport participation and attitude was not moderated by level of
overweight. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that
overweight and
obese adolescents show lower sport participation and have a less positive attitude toward
physical activity. Interventions in youngsters with weight problems should try to increase participation in sports by making activities more fun and attractive for these youngsters.