Association between Physical Activity Levels and Perceived Barriers among Overweight and Obese Adults at Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background: Physical inactivity is a major global health issue and a major risk factor for death, accounting for over 3.2 million deaths annually. Obesity is linked to low levels of physical activity and runs a vicious cycle with physical inactivity.

Research Aim: The study examined the association between level of physical activity and perceived barriers to physical activity among Overweight and Obese adults attending General Out-Patient Clinic (GOPC), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Research Methods: The study included Overweight and Obese adults aged 18-64 years attending the GOPC who gave consent to participate in the study. Based on their BMI, participants were classified as overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2). The sample size for the study was a total of 285 Overweight and Obese adults attending general (GOPC), (LUTH). The sample was recruited through systematic random sampling. Data was collected by means of a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using Chi-square and Fischer exact test to assess the association between categorical variables. Multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of low physical activity and high level of barriers to physical activity among the respondents.

Results: The study discovered that there is an association between physical activity levels and the levels of perceived barriers to physical activity among the respondents. Also, high levels of perceived barriers to physical activity significantly and independently predicted physical inactivity among the Overweight and Obese adults in this study. This suggests that obese people perceive more barriers to physical activity than others due to their lower levels of physical activity. The study recommended that awareness should be created by health organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and health professionals on the relevance of active participation in physical activity especially among Overweight and Obese adults.