How to Motivate Overweight and Obese Adults to Walk? A Qualitative Formative Study

Regular brisk walking can decrease the rates of overweight and obesity. Yet, overweight and obese adults do not walk up to the recommended level. The objective of the current study is to explore the motivational factors that... [ view full abstract ]

Regular brisk walking can decrease the rates of overweight and obesity. Yet, overweight and obese adults do not walk up to the recommended level. The objective of the current study is to explore the motivational factors that may be used to encourage overweight and obese adults to increase walking behaviour. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with overweight and obese participants living in the Brisbane and Logan city council areas, Australia. Four motivational factors for walking have been identified. First, overweight and obese adults want to reduce weight and maintain good health. Second, they want to look good and reduce the size of their cloths. Third, they want to feel and share a sense of achievement. Finally, they prefer realistic walking targets that feel attainable and therefore can provide a sense of achievement, which is in contrast to standard walking guidelines that feel unattainable. The findings of the study may be used to design a behaviour change intervention to increase walking for overweight and adults.