Physical activity levels among overweight and obese adults in South Carolina.
BACKGROUND
Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
We describe the activity levels of South Carolina adults on the basis of data derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.


RESULTS
Overweight and obese men and women reported less leisure time physical activity than did people of normal weight, with women found to be less active than men.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical inactivity is more prevalent among obese and overweight men and women than among people of normal weight. Visiting the physician's office offers a unique opportunity to educate patients about the health benefits and appropriate amount of physical activity.
Adams
Swann A
SA
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. swann.adams@palmettohealth.org
Der Ananian
Cheryl A
CA
DuBose
Katrina D
KD
Kirtland
Karen A
KA
Ainsworth
Barbara E
BE
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011998:Recreation / Q000502:physiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013022:South Carolina