Physical activity levels by body mass index and weight control status, among adults-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004

Judy Kruger , Michelle M Yore and Harold W Kohl III

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2008, 5:25doi:10.1186/1479-5868-5-25


Published:	1 May 2008

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Adequate levels of physical activity can assist with weight control efforts, and few national studies have described physical activity patterns among U.S. adults. This article aims to describe patterns of physical activity among men and women who reported engaging in weight control practices.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) were used. The sample included 14,388 adults (aged >18 years), with measured weights and heights from which body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2; kg/m2) was calculated. Analyses were performed to describe the prevalence of engaging in levels of physical activity (<150-630 minutes/week) by three levels of weight control status (trying to lose weight, trying to maintain weight, and not trying to lose/maintain weight). We also examined the association between physical activity level and weight control status by BMI.

Results

The prevalence of low levels of physical activity (<150 minutes/week) was highest among those not trying to lose/maintain weight (77.7% men, 81.2% women), than those trying to lose, or maintain weight (64.2%-59.7% men, 68.1%-66.7% women). Significantly more men than women engaged in higher volumes of physical activity (p<0.001). Among overweight men, those trying to lose weight were more likely to engage in 150-420 minutes/week (OR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.8-2.9) than those not trying to lose/maintain weight. Similarly, overweight women who were trying to lose weight were more likely to engage in 150-420 minutes/week (OR = 2.8, 95%CI 2.1-3.7) than were those not trying to lose/maintain weight.

Conclusion

Despite people's intentions to lose or maintain their weight, the majority of adults do not engage even in the minimum recommended level of physical activity. However, the prevalence of engaging in high levels of physical activity (150-420 minutes/week) was highest among those trying to lose or maintain weight than were those not trying to lose/maintain weight. Regardless of weight control status, all adults should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity.