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Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity patterns in the National Weight Control Registry.
Victoria A Catenacci1, Lorraine G Ogden, Jennifer Stuht
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Center for Human Nutrition, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. vicki.catenacci@uchsc.edu
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) are highly active, but physical activity levels vary greatly. Understanding individual needs for weight loss maintenance is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Obesity Research
- Behavioral Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) tracks individuals who have maintained significant weight loss.
- Understanding the physical activity patterns of successful weight loss maintainers is essential for public health.
- Previous studies described NWCR members, but detailed examination of physical activity habits over time is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the weekly physical activity habits of NWCR members.
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and demographic characteristics.
- To determine if physical activity patterns have changed among NWCR members over time.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 887 men and 2,796 women enrolled in the NWCR between 1993 and 2004.
- Physical activity was assessed using the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire at registry entry.
Main Results:
- NWCR participants report an average of 2,621 kcal/week in physical activity, with significant variability.
- Activity levels correlate with the magnitude, but not duration, of weight loss.
- Physical activity reported by men has decreased over time, while women's activity remained stable; changes in activity types were also noted.
Conclusions:
- NWCR participants are a highly active group, but individual physical activity requirements for weight loss maintenance vary considerably.
- A standardized recommendation for physical activity for weight loss maintenance is challenging due to this variability.
- Further research into individual-specific factors influencing physical activity needs for weight loss maintenance is a high priority.
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