Factors related to moderate exercise during COVID-19 for overweight and obese individuals: A secondary analysis of HINTS data

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing rates of overweight and obesity in the United States. mHealth technologies are gaining in popularity for its potential to reduce obesity, if facilitated by patient-centered communication. This study explores predictors of overweight and obese individuals' exercise levels during COVID-19. METHODS: 2191 respondents who visited a doctor in the past year and self-reported being overweight were selected from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Respondents reported their physical activity, beliefs about obesity, health tracking behaviors, and communication with providers during the pandemic. Structural equation modeling was used to explore connections among the variables. RESULTS: Patient-provider (e-)communication was significantly associated with changes in people's obesity-related beliefs and mHealth tracking usage, predicting moderate exercise during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The findings illustrate the need for patient-centered communication encounters to include discussions on mHealth technologies and accessible methods of engaging in physical activity. Innovation: This study examined secondary data provided by overweight and obese individuals from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic; this population may benefit from targeted health interventions using mHealth technologies. Our findings suggest that healthcare providers should engage patients through mHealth technology and seek to improve digital health literacy to progress physical activity nationwide.