Perspectives of Women with Overweight and Obesity on Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study

Aim: The rates of obesity and physical inactivity are relatively high among women in Türkiye, increasing the need for physical activity programs. This study aimed to provide information for physical activity programs by gaining an in-depth understanding of the perspectives on physical activity of women with overweight and obesity. Material and Methods: The research was based on a qualitative case study design and was conducted between June and July 2022 in Antalya, Türkiye. It used the purposive sampling and snowball sampling methods and included 20 women who were overweight or obese. Data were collected face-to-face using the individual in-depth interview method. This study used the qualitative data analysis method, and all data documentation, organization, and theming were performed using the Nvivo-10 software package. Results: The participants’ mean age was 43.30 ± 10.22 years, and their mean body mass index was 35.57 ± 4.63 kg/m². Five major themes emerged: being healthy, types of physical activity, encouragement, unsatisfactory experiences, and preferences to increase physical activity. Conclusion: All participants stated that protection and maintenance of health encouraged them to do physical activities. Most participants preferred walking and exercising at home as physical activity. Pain and tiredness, neglect, cultural aspects, and environmental restrictions were unsatisfactory physical activity experiences. It is believed that providing education on the negative experiences and demands of women with overweight and obesity regarding physical activity in primary health care services and encouraging them to do different types of physical activity is important for public health.