The comparison of ambulatory activity among people living in different regions, and relationship with BMI in Pohnpei state, the Federated States of Micronesia: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimsTo clarify people's ambulatory activity and the relationship with BMI among people living in different regions with different lifestyles within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), where has been experiencing a rapid increase in the obesity population. This study is the first study which quantitatively explores physical activity in the country. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September in 2019. 50 participants were recruited from Kolonia (urban area in a main island) and Mand (rural area in the main island), and 2 participants in Kolonia dropped out, while 34 participants were recruited in Pingelap (outer island). BMI was calculated based on anthropometric measurements. Ambulatory activity was measurement by pedometer-determined steps/day. ResultsAverage steps/day varied among the three regions (4179 to7282 to 9252 in males, 3714 to 5087 to 8069 in females, Kolonia to Mand to Pingelap, respectively, P < 0.001). A linear mixed model showed a statistically inverse correlation with steps/day after adjustment of the differences in the relationship of each region (β = −0.436, 95% CI = -0.814 to −0.052). ConclusionUrbanization might decrease ambulatory activity within FSM. Increasing ambulatory activity can decrease BMI, which might be one of the clues to solve the increasing prevalence of obesity.