Gender-specific perceptions of physical activity: insights from overweight men and women, through qualitative exploration

Objectives: This study investigates the factors influencing physical activity in overweight individuals, focusing on gender disparities. Methods: The study used focus group discussions as a phenomenological qualitative method to explore physical activity factors in overweight adults (male and female). Participants were categorised based on their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form (IPAQ-SF). One group was engaged in health-enhancing physical activity, and the other group was inactive or minimally active. A total of twelve discussions, with three discussions in each group, lasting for 30–50 min, involving 5–6 participants aged 25–60 years. Results: Sixty participants were included, evenly split between men (32 ± 6.2) and women (30.9 ± 7), primarily from the working population. Four major themes emerged: personal, environmental, social, and digital. Facilitators included health benefits, enjoyment, weight reduction, accessibility, peer encouragement, social media challenges, and activity tracking. Barriers included time constraints, motivational deficits, climate, and lack of support. Men were influenced by sports, social events, and accountability. In contrast, women faced familial obligations, safety concerns, and societal pressures. Overweight men aimed to build strength, while women worried about judgement and self-esteem. Conclusions: Gender-specific perceptions influence overweight individuals’ engagement in physical activity, highlighting differing motivations and barriers faced by men and women. Recognising unique motivations and barriers faced by each gender is essential for developing effective physical activity programs tailored to address these challenges.