Home food and exercise environments of normal-weight and overweight adults

Am J Health Behav. 2011 Sep;35(5):618-26. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.35.5.10.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the home environments of overweight and normal-weight adults and the relationships between the environment and weight-regulating behaviors.

Methods: Overweight (n=201) and normal-weight adults (n=213) assessed their homes via checklist and self-reported their eating and activity habits.

Results: OW adults had less exercise equipment, fewer low-fat snacks and fruits/vegetables, and more TVs, high-fat snacks, and spreads than did NW adults (Ps<.01). These variables were associated (Ps<.05) with weight-regulating behaviors.

Conclusions: Increasing healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity within the home may improve weight-control efforts in adults.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Energy Intake
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Food Preferences / psychology*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Overweight / psychology*
  • Social Environment*