Abstract
Objective:This study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity in young adults.Methods:Data was collected from 133 students of a medical college of Pakistan. The study was conducted on young adults, aged 17-24 years, recruited from Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, between Aug-Dec, 2015. Queen’s College Step Test was conducted to measure CRF and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) evaluated. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference) were taken to assess adiposity. Associations of VO2max and adiposity were analyzed.Results:The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 44% overall. The VO2max (ml/kg/min) of males and females was 55.41±9.45 and 39.91±3.14, respectively, the gender difference being highly significant (p<0.001). Quartiles of VO2max showed strong inverse relationship between adiposity and VO2max, obese individuals having low VO2max (1st quartile) and normal weight individuals having high VO2max (4th quartile). VO2max correlated greatest with body fat in males (r = –0.600; p<0.001), and waist circumference in females (r = –0.319; p=0.004).Conclusion:The results indicate low CRF in young females and a strong inverse relationship between fitness levels and adiposity in young adults of both genders. Improving these parameters in our young population may prevent development of chronic non-communicable disease in later life.
Highlights
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referred to as aerobic capacity is one of the most important components of physical fitness
Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior leads to accumulation of excess adipose tissue and a state of chronic inflammation which is a major factor in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCD)
Data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2013 shows that approximately 15% of the youth bulge in Pakistan is between the ages of 18 and 25 years, comprising mostly of college and university students
Summary
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referred to as aerobic capacity is one of the most important components of physical fitness. It is the ability of the body to perform dynamic, large-muscle exercise, for prolonged periods, at moderate-tohigh intensity.[1] Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) is considered to be the most widely accepted measure of CRF giving a baseline estimate of one’s heart and lung capacity and can be used to follow the progress of daily physical exercise.[2]. The physical activity levels in this age group are not enough to prevent NCD in later life.[4] Regular physical exercise increases CRF levels and suppresses the chronic inflammatory state of obesity, lowering the risk for NCD.[5]
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