Exploration of motivation to be physically active among overweight adolescents in Switzerland

Article Article scientifique Article Exploration of motivation to be physically active among overweight adolescents in Switzerland eng 2025-01-15 2025-04 author Sejdija Shahadije University of Geneva, Switzerland. 881799 author Maggio Albane Bertha 0000-0002-9110-4467 Health and Movement Consultation, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland. 649221 Département de Pédiatrie, Gynécologie et Obstétrique (PETRI) 491-501 10.1177/13591045251315507 39813416 1359-1045 PMC11951345 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13591045251315507 Motivation plays an important role in the field of medicine, as it significantly influences behavior change, such as becoming more physically active. This study aimed to investigate the role of motivation in engagement in a physical activity and its impact on quality of life for adolescents suffering from obesity. We assessed the time dedicated to physical activities, the type of motivation, and the relationship between those factors and their quality of life. Seventy-two adolescents aged 12-18 years (51% girls) participated in the study. Fifteen percent of the sample (11/72) were overweight, 56% (n = 40) were affected by obesity and 29% (n = 21) by severe obesity. We found that adolescents were mostly driven to engage in physical activity by self-determined motivation, but those affected by severe obesity were more motivated by external factors. Moreover, there was a disparity in physical activity engagement between genders, with boys being more active than girls. Finally, our data demonstrated that physical exercise contributed to improving quality of life of our population. This study demonstrates that self-determined motivation plays a significant role in promoting physical activity among adolescents with overweight or obesity, with notable differences between genders. Encouraging intrinsic motivation can improve physical functioning and quality of life. Plain language summary Motivation is a key factor in encouraging healthy behaviors, like being physically active. This study looked at how motivation influences physical activity and quality of life in adolescents with overweight or obesity. Researchers wanted to understand how much time these adolescents spend being active, what motivates them, and how this affects their well-being. The study included 72 adolescents with overweight or obesity aged 12 to 18. The study found that most adolescents were motivated to exercise by internal reasons (like personal goals or enjoyment). However, those with severe obesity were more influenced by external factors (like pressure from others). Boys were generally more physically active than girls. The study highlights the importance of encouraging self-motivation in adolescents with obesity. Helping them find personal reasons to stay activeâ€”rather than relying on external pressureâ€”can lead to better physical health and an improved quality of life. Programs that support self-motivation, especially for girls and those with severe obesity, may be particularly beneficial. Motivation Adolescent Obesity Physical activity Prevention Humans Female Male Exercise / psychology Child Quality of Life / psychology Switzerland Overweight / psychology Pediatric Obesity / psychology Adolescent Behavior / psychology Sex Factors Dewey 618 58 Département de pédiatrie, gynécologie et obstétrique 223 false 179 L'hypertension pulmonaire (pédiatrie) 228 Clinical child psychology and psychiatry 30 2 ccd4f21d-b268-4970-9fcd-e7cdc80ab945 Article (Published version) Public Article_scientifique_from_europePmc.pdf 563931 application/pdf CC BY-4.0 17bbbac0876c468121edc32dbfd279b18ae331c5b940a1cb599768438651152a openAccess Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département de pédiatrie, gynécologie et obstétrique

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Exploration of motivation to be physically active among overweight adolescents in Switzerland	Clinical child psychology and psychiatry			2025	14	82

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Sejdija, Shahadije