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Published on: January 28, 2020
Determining the amount of physical activity needed for long-term weight control
L T Wier1, G W Ayers, A S Jackson
1Health-Related Fitness, NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, USA. larry.t.wier1@jsc.nasa.gov
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly impacts long-term weight change in both men and women. Increased self-reported activity levels, measured by the NASA Activity Scale (NAS), were associated with reduced body weight over time.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology and weight management research.
- Longitudinal study of human health and fitness.
Background:
- Understanding the long-term effects of physical activity on body weight is crucial for public health.
- Previous research indicates a link between activity levels and weight, but prospective models are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the impact of habitual physical activity on body weight in men and women.
- To develop a predictive model for longitudinal weight change influenced by physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective occupational cohort study over a mean of 5.5 years.
- Involved 496 NASA employees, measuring body weight at baseline and follow-up.
- Habitual physical activity assessed using the NASA Activity Scale (NAS).
Main Results:
- Mean NAS, baseline weight, age, and gender significantly influenced follow-up weight.
- Each increase in mean NAS independently reduced weight in both men and women (P<0.01).
- The effect of physical activity on weight reduction was dose-dependent and amplified with higher baseline weight.
Conclusions:
- Habitual physical activity is a significant determinant of long-term weight change.
- Self-reported physical activity levels, like NAS, can aid in predicting weight changes.
- Healthcare professionals can utilize this information to counsel patients on weight control strategies.
