Non-linear longitudinal associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity across the adiposity distribution during childhood and adolescence: Gateshead Millennium Study

Xanne Janssen,Mark S Pearce,Laura Basterfield,Jessica K Reilly,John J Reilly,Ashley J Adamson,Kathryn N Parkinson

doi:10.1038/s41366-018-0188-9

Xanne Janssen, Mark S Pearce + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-018-0188-9

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Abstract

ObjectiveInsufficient moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is harmful for youth; however, the evidence for differential effects by weight status is limited. The study aimed to examine associations between MVPA and adiposity by weight status across childhood and adolescence.MethodsParticipants were from the Gateshead Millennium Study. Physical activity and body composition measures were taken at age 7 y (n = 502; measures taken between October 2006 and December 2007), 9 y (n = 506; October 2008–September 2009), 12 y (n = 420; October 2011–September 2012), and 15 y (n = 306; September 2014–September 2015). Participants wore an ActiGraph GT1M and epochs were classified as MVPA when accelerometer counts were ≥574 counts/15 s. Weight and height were measured using standardized methods and fat mass using bioelectrical impedance. Associations between MVPA and changes in BMI and FMI were examined by weight status using quantile regression.ResultsHigher MVPA was associated with lower FMI for the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile and lower BMI at the 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile, independent of accelerometer wear time, sex, and sedentary time. The association between MVPA and change in adiposity was stronger in the higher than lower FMI and BMI percentiles (e.g., 1 h/day more MVPA was associated with a 1.5 kg/m2 and 2.7 kg/m2 lower FMI at the 50th and 90th FMI percentiles, respectively).ConclusionsThe effect of MVPA on adiposity in the higher adiposity percentiles is stronger than reported to date. Given overweight and obese children are the highest risk group for later obesity, targeting MVPA might be a particularly effective obesity prevention strategy.

Highlights

IntroductionRecent studies have shown low levels of physical activity (PA) in children which decrease even further during both
Recent studies have shown low levels of physical activity (PA) in children which decrease even further during bothElectronic supplementary material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.childhood and adolescence [1,2]
The current study showed that it is likely that many of the previous studies have underestimated the effect of moderateto-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on adiposity in populations of particular interest for intervention studies.The present study suggests that the influence of MVPA on adiposity may increase over time in populations where there is a secular trend to increased adiposity

Summary

Introduction

Recent studies have shown low levels of physical activity (PA) in children which decrease even further during both. The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased to alarming levels in countries all around the world [3]. While cross-sectional studies have shown relatively consistent positive associations between PA and adiposity, the evidence is less clear when looking at the longitudinal associations [4]. Poitras et al showed only half of the longitudinal studies included in their review reported higher levels of moderateto-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with lower levels of adiposity. The quality of the studies included in the review was low and most of the longitudinal studies covered a period of 2 years or less. Since several studies examining the longitudinal association between objectively measured MVPA and adiposity have been published showing a positive association of baseline MVPA and adiposity later on [5,6,7]

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