Cross‐sectional and prospective associations between physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference in children and adolescents. (8th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dalene, K. E.; Anderssen, S. A.; Andersen, L. B.; Steene‐Johannessen, J.; Ekelund, U.; Hansen, B. H.; Kolle, E.
• Is Part Of: Obesity science and practice. Volume 3:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 257
• Publication Date: 2017-06-08
• Subjects: Accelerometer -- body mass index -- physical activitysedentary timewaist circumference; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/osp4.114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-2238

Abstract

Summary: Objective: To study the cross‐sectional and prospective associations between physical activity (PA) of different intensities, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in children and adolescents using isotemporal substitution modelling. Methods: Physical activity (accelerometry), BMI and WC were assessed in 6‐ ( n = 970), 9‐ ( n = 2, 423) and 15‐year‐olds ( n = 1, 544) in 2005/2006 and 2011/2012. Participants aged 9 years in 2005/2006 were followed prospectively to 2011/12 (age 15). Associations between PA of different intensities (light, moderate and vigorous), BMI and WC were examined using isotemporal substitution models. Results: Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with light PA was associated with higher WC (0.17 to 0.29 cm, p ≤ 0.003)) in all age groups. Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with moderate PA was associated with lower WC in 6‐ and 9‐year‐olds (−0.32 to −0.47 cm, p ≤ 0.013)). Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with vigorous PA was associated with lower WC in 9‐ and 15‐year‐olds (−1.08 to −1.79 cm, p ≤ 0.015)). Associations were similar with BMI as the outcome. In prospective analyses, substituting sedentary time with light, moderate or vigorous PA at age 9 was not associated with BMI or WC at age 15. Conclusion: Substituting sedentary time with moderate PA appears favourably associated with adiposity in children, whereas vigorous PA may be required in adolescents. Cross‐sectional associations were not replicated in prospective analyses.