Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (>= 30years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately 10years. Participants were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss:>= 25kgm(-2)-><25kgm(-2); Weight-gain:<25kgm(-2)->>= 25kgm(-2); Weight-stability: remained<25kgm(-2) or >= 25kgm(-2)). Daily ambulation and activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005-2007 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA guidelines (150- and 420minweek(-1)), was examined.ResultsWeight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+1.2kg, p=0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+15.2kg) and weight-loss (-10.8kg) groups (p <= 0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150minweek(-1) guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (<25kgm(-2)) met the 420minweek(-1) guideline (p<0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (<25kgm(-2)) approached 15,000stepsday(-1). There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.