International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723312331ENDepartment of Nutrition Research, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad & Department of Public Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, BojnurdDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical<br />activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be<br />harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the<br />responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root<br />out the problem.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in‑depth interviews<br />with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting<br />physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as<br />Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all<br />the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based<br />on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially<br />among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion<br />of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The<br />strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current<br />policies to overcome the existing barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical<br />activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting<br />physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2331http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2331/717718173