The descriptive epidemiology of selected physical activities and body weight among adults trying to lose weight: the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, 1989.
Few population-based studies have described the physical activity patterns of individuals trying to lose weight. We analysed cross-sectional, self-reported data from 6125 men and 12,557 women (> or = 18 years of age) from 40 states who reported in the 1989 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey that they were trying to lose weight. The BRFSS is a state-based telephone survey of non-institutionalized US adults, which utilizes a multi-stage cluster design based on the Waksberg method of random digit dialing. Walking was the most prevalent physical activity (48%), followed by aerobics (8%), gardening (5%), cycling (5%), and running (4%); however, activity choices varied by socio-demographic characteristics. Among both sexes, the prevalence of overweight (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) decreased significantly with increasing level of activity (P < or = 0.001). Regression results showed that among both sexes and in most age groups, those who ran or jogged, performed aerobics, or cycled weighed less (P < or = 0.001) than those who reported no activity--independent of height, race, education, smoking, and caloric restriction. Walking was also associated with lower weight (P < or = 0.001) among persons aged 40 or older. Because walking is highly prevalent among persons in most socio-demographic strata and is accessible and low risk, its relative merits should be stressed in developing interventions for weight loss and maintenance.
Cardiovascular Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
L
L
DiPietro
D F
DF
Williamson
C J
CJ
Caspersen
E
E
Eaker
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D001835:Body Weight; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running; D014481:United States; D016138:Walking; D015431:Weight Loss