Features of lifestyle and physical activity of mature women with overweight

Abstract

A modern woman’s lifestyle is extremely dynamic, which can be connected to high requirements regarding the undertaking of social and professional responsibilities in the context of added pressure of high standards of physical appearance and the need to maintain one’s physical health at a stable level, all of which causes additional stress resulting in the development of harmful lifestyle habits and, as a consequence, to the development of excess body weight. We have conducted a study of lifestyle particularities of mature-age women, the structure, character, and volume of physical activity as a leading determinant of health maintenance. Study results demonstrate that majority of women have inadequate level of physical activity, in particular, moderate physical activity or health-enhancing fitness activity 1-2 times per week, but report the ability to practice health-enhancing physical activity during 60-120 minutes 3-4 times per week. This leads to a conclusion that women do not attach significant importance to practicing rational physical activity as part of their lifestyle. With regard to the social lifestyle characteristics, it was determined that most women have a full family, but report regular occurrence of nervous breakdowns and food intake fluctuations; interestingly, harmful habits like tobacco smoking were reported in just 8% of cases; 64% of women reported fast onset of fatigue, breathlessness and overall heightened psycho-emotional strain. Among the main objectives of practicing health-enhancing and recreational physical activity women stated body mass normalization – 100%; health enhancement – 32%; self-esteem increase – 76%. As to the preferred format of practicing physical activity, 100% of women chose physical activity led by a personal trainer; 76% of women are willing to combine personal fitness training with group fitness classes. Collected data should be used as a justification basis for the development of a complex health- enhancement technology for overweight women according to the specific lifestyle characteristics.