Relationships among Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Weight Stigma in Children in Hong Kong

Objectives: Our objective in this study was to establish the relationships among active and inactive physical activity, HRQoL, and weight stigma in children. Additionally, we investigated weight stigma as a mediator of the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong (June 2017-July 2018). Participants were 437 children in elementary school (2 primary schools and 2 non-governmental organizations) and their parents (dyads). Participants completed questionnaires containing items assessing demographic characteristics, physical activity level, and several HRQoL measures. Results: We found a statistically significant difference between a higher physically activity group (exercise > 2 hours/week) in all measures of HRQoL. Weight stigma had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and child-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.37; SE=0.05; t = 8.21; p < .001), parent-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.16; SE = 0.04; t = 4.21; p < .001), and child-rated weight-related QoL (Coefficient = -0.56; SE = 0.04; t = 14.92; p < .001). Conclusions: Physical activity was associated with better HRQoL and lower weight stigma. Weight stigma appears to affect how physical activity is related to better HRQoL, but the association is somewhat weak.

Automated summary

The study found that children with higher levels of physical activity showed significant differences in various measures of HRQoL. Additionally, weight stigma played a significant mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL, affecting both children and parent-rated measurements.