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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Leisure-time physical activity patterns by weight control status: 1999-2002 NHANES
Judy Kruger1, Michelle M Yore, Harold W Kohl
1Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA. Ezk0@cdc.gov
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Regular physical activity is linked to better health and weight control. However, less than half of adults trying to manage their weight engage in regular leisure-time activity, with walking being most common.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of chronic disease prevention, reducing risks for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
- Physical activity demonstrates an inverse relationship with overweight and obesity prevalence, supporting weight management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variations in physical activity levels and patterns among U.S. adults based on their self-reported weight control status.
- To analyze leisure-time physical activity in relation to weight management goals within a nationally representative population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for a sample of 9,496 U.S. adults.
- Categorized participants by weight control status: trying to lose weight, trying to maintain weight, or not trying to lose/maintain weight.
- Assessed leisure-time physical activity as regular, irregular, or inactive.
Main Results:
- Regular physical activity was reported by 32.6% of those trying to lose weight and 37.9% trying to maintain weight, compared to 21.8% not trying to manage weight.
- Individuals attempting to lose or maintain weight were significantly more likely to be regularly active than those not attempting weight control.
- Walking was the most frequent leisure-time physical activity across all weight control groups, followed by yard work, biking, and running.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of adults, even those actively trying to lose or maintain weight, do not engage in regular leisure-time physical activity.
- Weight control efforts are associated with higher rates of regular physical activity compared to individuals not focused on weight management.
- Public health initiatives should prioritize increasing physical activity levels across all adult populations, emphasizing accessible activities like walking.
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