Activity decreases as percentage overweight increases

The purpose of the present research was to clarify the empirical relationship between percentage overweight and degree of ambulatory activity. Two week activity measurements were obtained, over two studies, using pedometers, from 127 women aged 19 to 55 years ranging from 14% underweight to 99% overweight. Regression analysis indicated that activity decreased by 7.6457 x 10(-4) mph for every 1% increase in percentage overweight from 0.25279 mph associated with zero percentage overweight. These data are in good agreement with data published by Chirico and Stunkard in 1960.16 Implications for small activity increases on obesity and general health are discussed.