RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BODY FAT IN WOMEN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between varying intensities and types of physical activity (PA) and body fat amount and distribution among African American (n = 47), Native American (n = 46), and Caucasian women (n = 49), ages 40 to 83 years, enrolled in the Cross-Cultural Activity Participation Study. PA scores were obtained from detailed PA Records that included all PA performed during two, consecutive four-day periods, scheduled one month apart. PA was expressed as MET-mins/day of energy expended in moderate intensity (3–6 METs), moderate/vigorous intensity (> 3 METs), walking, sports/conditioning, household/yardwork, and occupational PA. BMI (weight in kg/height in meters2) was used as a measure of body fat amount. Waist circumference (cm) was used as a measure of body fat distribution. PA was categorized into 3 tertiles. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. After adjustiing for age, site, and education, BMI and waist circumference were significantly related to moderate intensity PA, moderate/vigorous intensity PA, sports/conditioning, and occupational PA. BMI values of 30.3, 28.7, and 25.8, and waist circumference values of 89.4, 85.0, and 81.3 cm were observed for the low, moderate, and high tertiles of moderate/vigorous PA, respectively (p for trend < .05). Nonsignificant inverse relationships were observed between BMI and waist circumference and walking and household/yardwork. The associations were similar among ethnicites. These results suggest that moderate intensity PA in the form of sports/conditioning or occupational PA is inversely related to body fat amount and distribution. Intervention studies are needed to confirm the role of walking and household/yardwork as protective factors against the development of obesity. Supported by NIH WHI-SIP 22W-U48/CCU409664-03.