The Relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sedentary behavior is mediated by negative peer interaction in boys.

Jacob E Barkley,Gregory S Farnell

doi:10.26524/ijpefs1917

Abstract

To determine if self-reported negative social interaction mediates the relationship between sedentary behavior and body mass index (BMI) percentile in boys. Twelve overweight/obese (<85th BMI percentile) and 14 non-overweight (<85th BMI percentile) boys (10.5 ± 1.5 years old) completed surveys assessing overt peer victimization and relational victimization. Children were individually given access to a gymnasium with physical activity equipment and sedentary alternatives for 30 minutes. Children could play with the equipment in any pattern they wished and the amount of time allocated to sedentary activities (sitting time) was recorded. Overt and relational victimization were moderately and positively associated with BMI percentile (r ≥ 0.40, p ≤ 0.04) and sitting time (r ≥ 0.40, p ≤ 0.05) and sitting time was positively associated with BMI percentile (r = 0.4, p = 0.05). After controlling for overt and relational victimization the correlation between sitting time and BMI percentile was non-significant (r ≤ 0.28, p ≥ 0.18). The positive relationship between BMI percentile and sedentary behavior was mediated by measures of negative social interaction.

Highlights

In addition to the variables outlined above, time to sedentary behaviour and are less negative social interaction has been identified as a physically active than their non-overweight peers [1- potentially important factor in explaining why
The purpose of this study was to assess have reported that children who experience more whether or not self-reported measures of peer negative social interaction victimization mediated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) are less physically active and more sedentary in both percentile and sedentary behavior in boys during controlled and free-living environments than peers free play in a controlled environment
We have demonstrated that a bout of and were more sedentary during the 30-minute negative peer interaction activity session than non-overweight boys

Summary

Introduction

In addition to the variables outlined above, time to sedentary behaviour (i.e., sitting) and are less negative social interaction has been identified as a physically active than their non-overweight peers [1- potentially important factor in explaining why. Between overweight/obese and non-overweight This negative social interaction can include less children in controlled laboratory environments using social support and greater overt and relational objective measures.. Relational victimization differences between overweight/obese and non- is attempts by peers to harm a child’s relationships overweight children in: the relative reinforcing These forms of negative social motivating) value of physical activity versus interaction are associated with greater sedentary sedentary alternative, self-efficacy for physical behaviour and reduced physical activity in children activity, self-confidence and discomfort during [4, 7, 11]. Negative social interaction to mediate the relationship between adiposity and physical 2.1 Procedure activity/sedentary behaviour in youth has not been

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