Suboptimal physical activity levels: how do exercise deterrents and motivators differ between Caucasian, African American and Hispanic women

As the United States of America's obesity epidemic has evolved into a public health crisis, interventionists must prescribe the most effective methods to arm people to fight the obesity battle. Certain ethnicities and demographic groups are suffering from disproportionate levels of higher weights and obesity compared to others. Women of color are more likely to be overweight than Caucasian (non-Hispanic) women and men of color. As interventionists employ behavior modification to encourage women to become more active, rather than assume a "one size fits all" approach, this study questions if what motivates or hinders women from working out could vary by race. Subjects took a survey asking about their physical activity habits, attitudes and opinions towards exercise and how certain aspects of life motivate or stop them from engaging in physical activity. They also answered items regarding their personal lives, such as if they are a student, if they currently work, and how many children reside with them. A MANOVA was run to detect variance and found that of the 11 motive and barrier subgroups measured, women only statistically differed in barriers based on resources and barriers based on aesthetics.