In conclusion, the evidence found in the present study
pointed to specific differences in motivational factors for
exercise according to sex, age, family economic class,
experience with exercise and BMI values of university
students. Nonetheless, an important result that stands out
is the university students’ tendency to identify factors
associated with the external dimensions of motivation
(disease prevention, physical fitness, body weight
management, physical appearance, and stress management)
as key motivational factors for exercise. In this sense, based
on the assumption of the self-determination theory, the
present findings suggest that the students analyzed in this
study should have more difficulty in adhering to exercise in
a more effective and lasting way, as they prioritize factors
associated with extrinsic motivation. The results observed
in this study can be particularly useful for professionals
who work in the areas of physical education and public
health, as they provide resources that help to develop
physical exercise programs in the university environment,
including actions that can increase the level of motivation
according to the EMI-2 dimensions