The influence of body weight and body composition information on initial exercise motivation in female exercise initiates with overweight and obesity

The study purpose was to examine the impact of providing individualized body composition information (intervention condition; n = 40) versus body weight information (standard control condition; n = 40) on motivational regulations in overweight female exercise initiates about to commence an exercise program. The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 was completed prior to and following the information provision. Results revealed a significant increase in introjected regulation for the intervention condition indicating that the body composition information may have reinforced previous feelings of self-imposed pressure and a sense of obligation to start exercising. Implications for motivating new exercisers are discussed.