Physical Activity Patterns Associated With Weight-Control Status: Differences by Race and Sex
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthClick name to view affiliation
Background:
Physical activity (PA) plays a major role in maintaining energy balance. We examined the patterns of occupational activity, strength training, and lifestyle PA (low, medium, high) by sex and race among persons trying to control their weight (lose weight, stay about the same, not trying to lose/not trying to stay about the same).
Methods:
Population data (N = 9258) from a nationwide telephone survey were collected to examine PA patterns. Domains of PA were analyzed by sex and race.
Results:
Of those trying to control their weight, approximately 24.0% engaged in strengthening activities 2 to 3 d/wk. Among those trying to lose weight, 48.2% versus 42.2% of men (White and non-White, respectively) and 40.4% versus 35.1% of women (White and non-White, respectively) reported high volumes of PA.
Conclusions:
PA patterns among persons trying to control their weight vary by sex and race. Adults trying to control their weight are encouraged to increase levels of PA.
Kruger and Yore are with the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341. Ainsworth is with the Dept of Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212. Macera is with the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92101.
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