Demographic, Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Variables Associated With Overweight and Obesity in Low-Active Girls 1

This study examined personal, cognitive, affective, and behavioral variables related to body mass index (BMI) among 73 6th and 7th grade girls, and differences between categories of healthy weight, overweight, and obese in the variables. BMI was correlated with barriers to physical activity, enjoyment of physical activity, light physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and sedentary time. As compared to obese girls, those who were non-obese perceived greater enjoyment of physical activity, engaged in more light and vigorous physical activity, and had fewer minutes/hour of sedentary time. Findings can inform interventions.