Physical activity and cardiometabolic characteristics in overweight Latina women

This community-based study examined physical activity (PA) in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among 223 adult, immigrant Latina women who were overweight or obese. Participants were predominantly of Mexican descent, married and low-income. Data were obtained through accelerometer readings and clinical measures (e.g., BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar). Findings showed that many women were active (mean step count = 8,575 ± 3,191); 27.6 % achieved 10,000 steps per day, and only 11 % were sedentary. They engaged in short bouts of moderate PA rather than long-sustained moderate-to-vigorous activity. Three or more MetS traits were present in 45.3 % of the women, raising concerns about risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More active women had lower BMI, weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides levels. Results point to the importance of targeting maintenance of PA in active women and intervening with culturally tailored programs to promote healthier behavior in those who are sedentary or somewhat active.