Physical activity patterns associated with weight-control status: differences by race and sex.
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
Judy
J
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
Yore
Michelle M
MM
Ainsworth
Barbara E
BE
Macera
Caroline A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss