Psychological correlates of reported physical activity in normal-weight and obese adults: the Reno diet-heart study

Abstract

This investigation assessed psychological correlates of reported physical activity in a sample of 381 normal-weight and obese adults who were enrolled in a 4-year, prospective, natural history study. The psychological measures included the Eating Self-Efficacy Scale, the General Well-Being Schedule, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Reported Physical Activity was defined as a composite measure of reported recreational physical activity and perceived importance of activity in health and recreation. Physical activity was correlated with a more positive psychological profile in obese subjects at both year 1 and year 5. Increases in reported physical activity over the four years were associated with improvements in depression and well-being in normal-weight subjects, and with improvements in eating self-efficacy and well-being in obese subjects.