Health-related quality of life, BMI and physical activity among US adults (>/=18 years): National Physical Activity and Weight Loss Survey, 2002.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical activity (PA).


METHODS
Cross-sectional data were obtained via a national telephone survey from 9173 respondents (30.9% response rate; 51.4% cooperation rate). Four indicators of HRQOL were measured: self-rated health, physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days. Prevalence estimates were calculated by body mass index (BMI) category and PA level. Logistic regression evaluated BMI as an effect modifier of the relationship between HRQOL and PA.


RESULTS
Inactive adults reported more fair to poor HRQOL than active adults, regardless of BMI category (P<0.001). BMI did not modify the association between PA and any of the four HRQOL indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of low HRQOL is inversely related to PA participation, and the relationship is not altered by BMI status. Regardless of their weight status, adults should be encouraged to engage in PA.
Kruger
J
J
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Atlanta, GA, USA. jkruger@cdc.gov
Bowles
H R
HR
Jones
D A
DA
Ainsworth
B E
BE
Kohl
H W
HW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004522:Educational Status; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life; D015431:Weight Loss