Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting

To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥ 30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately 10 years. Participants were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss: ≥ 25 kg m^-2→ < 25 kg m^-2; Weight-gain: < 25 kg m^-2→ ≥ 25 kg m^-2; Weight-stability: remained < 25 kg m^-2 or ≥ 25 kg m^-2). Daily ambulation and activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005-2007 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA guidelines (150- and 420 min week^-1), was examined.

Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+ 1.2 kg, p = 0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+ 15.2 kg) and weight-loss (- 10.8 kg) groups (p ≤ 0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min week^-1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m^-2) met the 420 min week^-1 guideline (p < 0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m^-2) approached 15,000 steps day^-1. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.