Physical Activity Barriers, Facilitators, and Preferences in Rural Adults with Obesity

To identify physical activity-related barriers, facilitators, and preferences among adults with obesity living in rural areas, a scoping review was conducted.

Ten studies conducted in the United States, Australia, Nepal, and Mexico were included. The barriers reported most often were social/physical environment concerns (e.g., lack of resources/social support), as well as finding time. The one study comparing barriers across obesity classes I-III found minimal differences. Th most frequently reported facilitators included fitness trackers and social interaction/being part of a group. In the only study reporting intervention preferences, residents of rural areas preferred web-based delivery, whereas individuals with obesity favored face-to-face delivery.

When developing physical activity interventions, it is important to consider environmental and psychosocial factors that can hinder or facilitate engagement among rural adults with obesity. More research on preferences is needed to inform future interventions.