Relationship between physical activity and diet among African-American girls

To examine the cross-sectional relationships between physical activity and dietary behaviors among 8- to 10-year-old African-American girls.

Two hundred ten 8- to 10-year-old African-American girls from four field centers participated. Computer Science and Applications (CSA) activity monitors were worn for 3 days. CSA data were expressed as mean CSA counts per minute, mean minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day, and mean metabolic equivalents (METS) per minute. Two nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were analyzed for kilocalories; percent kilocalories from fat; daily servings of fruit, 100% fruit juice, and vegetables; sweetened beverages; and water consumption. Height and weight were measured, and information on household income, material possessions, and participant age were obtained.

All three expressions of physical activity were significantly negatively associated with percentage calories from fat (r = -0.147 to -0.177, p < 0.01), and mean METS per minute were significantly positively associated with percentage calories from carbohydrate (r = 0.149, p < 0.05) after controlling for household income, material possessions, field center, and total caloric intake. Income was inversely associated with percentage calories from fat.

Physical activity and dietary fat consumption were inversely related among African-American girls. Efforts to prevent obesity in preadolescent African-American girls should focus on increasing physical activity and lowering dietary fat consumption.