Physical activity patterns over 10 years in relation to body mass index and waist circumference: the Whitehall II cohort study

M Hamer, E J Brunner, J Bell, G D Batty, M Shipley, T Akbaraly, A Singh-Manoux, M Kivimaki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Physical activity patterns over 10-years in relation to changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were examined.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants (4,880, mean age 49.3 years at baseline) from the Whitehall II cohort study were included. Self-reported physical activity and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (1991) and twice during follow-up (1997 and 2002).

RESULTS: At baseline, meeting established guidelines for physical activity, particularly through vigorous activity, was associated with lower WC (multivariable adjusted B compared to not meeting the guidelines -2.08 cm, 95% CI, -1.39, -0.75) and BMI (-0.34 kg/m(2) , -0.10, -0.59). Based on repeat data, "high adherence" to the guidelines compared to "rare adherence" over follow-up was associated with lower BMI (adjusted difference, -0.43 kg/m(2) , 95% CI, -0.79, -0.08) and WC (-2.50 cm, 95% CI, -3.46, -1.54) at follow-up. Compared to participants that remained stable between 1997 and 2002 (change of <2.5 h/week), those that reported an increase in moderate-vigorous physical activity of at least 2.5 h/week displayed lower BMI (-0.40 kg/m(2) , 95% CI, -0.71, -0.08) and WC (-1.10 cm, 95% CI, -1.95, -0.75).

CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity, confirmed by repeated assessments, is associated with relatively favorable levels of adiposity markers after 10 years follow-up.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E755-61
JournalObesity
Volume21
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Adiposity
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Food Habits
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Obesity
  • Prospective Studies
  • Waist Circumference
  • Weight Gain

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