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Published on: March 7, 2019
Sedentary behaviour, physical activity and weight problems in adolescents in Wales
F J Elgar1, C Roberts, L Moore
1Department of Family Social Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2. elgar@cc.umanitoba.ca
Public Health
|April 14, 2005
Summary
Sedentary behavior in adolescence predicts later body mass, while physical activity influences changes in body mass. Promoting healthy habits in youth offers long-term health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns in adolescents.
- Understanding the long-term effects of lifestyle behaviors on body mass is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and stability of overweight and obesity in adolescents.
- To examine the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on body mass changes.
- To determine if physical activity mediates the link between sedentary behavior and body mass.
Main Methods:
- Four-year cohort study involving 355 adolescents in Wales (1994-1998).
- Collected data on body mass, sedentary behavior, and physical activity at two time points, 4 years apart.
- Mean baseline age was 12.30 years.
Main Results:
- Body mass and weight status showed moderate stability over the 4-year period.
- Sedentary behavior at baseline predicted body mass 4 years later.
- Physical activity predicted changes in body mass over time; mediation by physical activity was not observed.
- Weight issues were associated with social factors like bullying and exclusion, as well as dietary habits like snacking and skipping breakfast.
Conclusions:
- Both sedentary behavior and physical activity in early adolescence significantly influence body mass in later adolescence.
- Interventions promoting healthy diets and physical activity may yield sustained health benefits for young people.
