MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Does Weight-Motivation for Exercise Predict Physical Activity Levels Across the Life Course From Adolescence to Adulthood?

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2022

ISSN: 1054-139X

DOI: 10.1016/J.JADOHEALTH.2022.02.002

Abstract: Healthcare professionals may motivate their patients to exercise to lose weight, but it is unknown how weight-focused motivations influence young peoples’ PA trajectories. Purpose To examine if weight-motivated exercise predicts moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from adolescence to adulthood in a population-based sample and if this relationship differs by age and body mass index (BMI). Methods Participants (N = 1,428; 13–18 years at baseline; 48.6% female; 49.0% white) responded to surveys in the 15-year longitudinal study, Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). Weight-motivated exercise was examined as a predictor of MVPA across the life course at five-year intervals using linear regression generalized estimating equations and adjusting for demographics (age modeled continuously), BMI (modeled continuously), weight-related intentions, and prior MVPA. Results Weight-motivated exercise predicted higher subsequent MVPA at five-year intervals among females (B = .57, 95% CI:0.13, 1.00) but not males (B = .31, 95% CI:-.09, .72). The association differed by BMI in females (p = .02); weight-motivated exercise was associated with higher subsequent MVPA at lower BMI but lower subsequent MVPA at higher BMI. The association also differed by age in males (p = .008), such that older males who reported weight-motivated exercise had higher subsequent MVPA, whereas this association was not present in younger males. Conclusion Weight-motivated exercise may have a deleterious influence on MVPA for females with higher BMI and may have an advantageous influence on older males. Understanding how motivations for exercise may influence PA trajectories can inform PA promotion over the life course by providing more nuanced guidance by age, BMI, and sex.

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Authors: Folk, Amanda L.; Hooper, Laura; Hazzard, Vivienne M.; Larson, Nicole; Barr-Anderson, Daheia J.; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

Periodical (Full): Journal of Adolescent Health

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