Families’ and health professionals’ perceptions of influences on diet, activity and obesity in a low-income community

This qualitative study examined reported barriers to consuming a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity among low-income families with existing issues of overweight or obesity. Parents and health professionals reported that issues of access, availability and cost were perceived as major barriers to a healthy lifestyle along with familial shape, metabolism and safety. Many felt their diet and activity levels were already good. The study concluded that improving access, availability and income may increase activity but only in some groups. Issues of perceived helplessness (genetics/metabolism) and high optimistic bias may provide rationalisations that undermine behaviour change. Together these issues may mask the more complex, less easily articulated influences (cultural, social and family influences and practices, knowledge and skill levels, and emotional status) that lead to unhealthy behaviours.