Effect of Physical Activity on Adolescent Obesity Status over Time: A Latent Growth Modeling Approach

This study aims to examine the longitudinal influence of physical activity (PA) on obesity among normal-weight adolescents in South Korea. A total of 1347 data samples from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey from 2011 to 2014 were used. Latent growth modeling was applied. PA was assessed by the hours spent on PA during physical education (PE) classes in the last week. Body mass index for age was considered to determine obesity status. PA during PE positively predicted the intercept of obesity status, but it was not associated with the slope of obesity status. Although a longitudinal effect of PA was not identified, PA could influence the initial status of obesity. Because obesity in early years could steadily influence future obesity status, early detection and intervention for adolescent obesity are necessary. Moreover, more studies examining the effect of PA during PE on obesity status among adolescents should be conducted to identify the association between PA during PE and obesity status over time.