Racial Differences in Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in College-Age Females

Abstract

Overweight and obesity rates have continued to rise among all age groups and races in the United States. While physical activity levels among women increased 9% to 47% from 2001-2005, this did not prevent a rise in obesity rates, as they increased over this time period. The CDC estimates that 32% of females 18-24 years of age engage in leisure time activity. When examined by race, 35% of white, not Hispanic or Latino, and 25% of black, not Hispanic or Latino, females are regularly active. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationships between body composition and physical activity levels among black and white college-age females. METHODS: 83 college-age black (n=27, 19.0±0.7 years) and white (n=56, 18.7±0.7 years) females were recruited to participate in this study (18.8±0.7 years). Body composition (%Fat) was examined via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Physical activity (PA) was measured via 7-day pedometer counts, while bouts of total, light, moderate and vigorous activity were assessed using a 7-day PA Recall. RESULTS: Black college-age females demonstrated higher weight (75.7±19.4 kg), %Fat (32.1±1.6%), body mass index (28.1±6.0 kg/m2), waist circumference (80.7±12.4 cm) and hip circumference (107.0±13.5 cm) when compared to their white counterparts (64.4±10.3 kg, 27.8±0.6%, 23.4±3.5 kg/m2, 73.3±0.1 cm, 98.4±7.1 cm, respectively). Additionally, when compared to white females, black females reported significantly lower PA levels (11494±417 steps vs. 8093±580 steps) and reduced bouts of total, moderate and vigorous intensity activity (13.5±0.8, 4.9±0.5, 3.3±0.3 bouts/week vs. 9.7±1.2, 2.7±0.5, 2.1±0.4 bouts/week). Our data reflect national statistics with white females being more active than black females, as 68% of white and 52% of black females were physically active (>150 min/wk) in our sample. No relationship existed between PA (steps or activity bouts) and body composition in either race (all p>0.05). When controlling for PA, racial differences remained, with whites having better body composition than blacks. CONCLUSION: White college-age females have improved body composition and activity levels compared to their black counterparts. However, the higher activity level in whites does not appear to account for the racial differences in body composition.