More active and less fit: changes in physical activity in the adult Norwegian population from 1985 to 2011

Abstract

The article describes central aspects of the development of physical activity during leisure time of Norwegian adults, 15 years and above, for the period 1985–2011. The data in the article are from the Norwegian Monitor, which is a series of large surveys with a sample size increasing from 2200 in the first wave in 1985 to around 4000 in the last eight, carried out biannually by Ipsos Markeds og Mediainstituttet. The results show a substantial increase in physical activity from 1985 to 2011. A cohort analysis showed that the increase is largely due to period effects rather generational replacement. Bivariate and multiple regressions revealed that, in addition to social background variables, there was a positive influence on activity levels by variables such as satisfaction with own health and own body, and a BMI below 27.