title: Sedentary behaviors and obesity in a low-income, ethnic-minority population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Numerous studies have documented adverse health effects from prolonged sitting and TV viewing. These sedentary pastimes are linked to increased risk for obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. No studies, however, have examined these associations specifically in low-income, minority communities in the US.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in South Dallas, TX. Multivariable ordered logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sedentary behaviors (self-report) and measures of objectively assessed obesity (BMI, waist circumference).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among a low-income, ethnic-minority population, there were independent and significant associations between higher levels of sitting time, computer use, and transit time with elevated BMI (P < .05). Elevated waist circumference was also linked to increased sitting time, computer use, and transit time, yet without statistical significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased time spent in passive-leisure activities is a risk marker for obesity in this population.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Kerem
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shuval
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murdoch
authors.forename: Margaret O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Caughy
authors.forename: Harold William
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Kohl
authors.forename: Celette Sugg
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Skinner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D057185:Sedentary Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D057566:Self Report; D013781:Texas; D014186:Transportation; D055815:Young Adult