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Relationship of leisure-time physical activity and occupational activity to the prevalence of obesity

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 606–612 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the interaction between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational activity (OA) on the prevalence of obesity.

DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of a population based cross-sectional US national sample (NHANES III).

SUBJECTS: A total of 4889 disease-free, currently employed adults over age 20 y.

MEASUREMENTS: Subjects body mass index (BMI) was categorized as (1) obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2), or (2) non-obese (BMI<30 kg/m2). LTPA was divided into four categories: (1) no LTPA; (2) irregular LTPA; (3) regular moderate intensity LTPA; and (4) regular vigorous intensity LTPA. OA was grouped as (1) high OA and (2) low OA. Age, gender, race–ethnicity, smoking status, urbanization classification, alcohol consumption and income were statistically controlled.

RESULTS: In all, 16.8% (s.e. 0.7) of the total subject population were obese (15.1% (s.e. 1.1) of men and 19.1% (s.e. 1.1) of women). Logistic regression revealed that compared to those who engage in no LTPA and have low levels of OA, the likelihood of being obese is 42% (95% CI 0.35, 0.96) lower for those who engage in no LTPA and have high OA, 48% (95% CI 0.32, 0.83) lower for those who have irregular LTPA and have high levels of OA, and about 50% lower for all those who have regular LTPA through moderate or vigorous activity levels regardless of OA level.

CONCLUSION: When considering disease free adults above 20 y of age employed in high and low activity occupations, a high level of occupational activity is associated with a decreased likelihood of being obese.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

    GA King, DR Bassett Jr, JE McLaughlin, SJ Strath, AM Swartz & DL Thompson

  2. Department of Health and Safety Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

    EC Fitzhugh

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  1. GA King
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Correspondence to GA King.

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King, G., Fitzhugh, E., Bassett Jr, D. et al. Relationship of leisure-time physical activity and occupational activity to the prevalence of obesity. Int J Obes 25, 606–612 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801583

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