Publication details
Physical activity and obesity: comparison between different approaches
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Anthropologie |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology |
| Keywords | Anthropometry; Obesity; Pedometer; Physical activity |
| Description | The present study aims to investigate the level of physical activity in people living in Brno and the surrounding areas, particularly those who are obese. The purpose of this study is to find out whether questionnaires or objective pedometer data are reliable for monitoring activity levels. A total of 508 individuals (380 females and 128 males) were enrolled in the study. The study volunteers ranged in age from 16 to 73 years and had a mean body mass index (BMI) 33 plusminus 8 kg/m2. We found a significant negative relationship between the number of steps per day and the percentage of body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index. Individuals classified as having normal body weight performed significantly more steps per day than those classified as obese. Only a little data obtained from the questionnaire correlated significantly with anthropometric measures and when applied to the analysis based on BMI categories, the differences between categories were not significant. Results suggest that a pedometer-determined walking activity is the proper method for the evaluation of physical activity levels. This data can lead to recommendations for a minimum amount of steps per day associated with optimal body composition. Data obtained from the questionnaire was not found to be relevant for activity level evaluation and recommendations. |