Physical Activity and Its Association With Body Mass Index: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Middle-Aged Adults From 4...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Investigates the link between physical activity domains and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a large African cohort.
• Examines self-reported work, leisure, and transport-related physical activity in 9388 adults.
• Utilizes data from the Africa-Wits-INDEPTH partnership for Genomic (AWI-Gen) study across rural and urban sites in sub-Saharan Africa.

Approach:

• Employs a sex-stratified meta-analysis of cross-sectional data from adults aged 29-82 years.
• Assesses the association between meeting physical activity guidelines and BMI.
• Analyzes domain-specific physical activity (transport, work) and their relationship with BMI, considering sex and geographic variations.

Key Points:

• Meeting physical activity guidelines (≥150 min/week) is associated with lower BMI in both men (0.82 kg/m²) and women (0.68 kg/m²).
• Significant sex and site-specific differences exist in the association between physical activity domains and BMI.
• Inverse associations were found between transport-related activity and BMI in men (Nanoro) and work-related activity and BMI in men (Navrongo) and women (Nanoro).

Conclusions:

• Physical activity presents a viable strategy for managing rising obesity rates in Africa.
• Highlights the need for further research into sex and location-specific physical activity interventions to combat obesity.
• Emphasizes the importance of tailored public health strategies considering diverse populations and environments in Africa.