Differences in Amounts and Types of Physical Activity by Obesity Status in US Adults

Objectives: To describe the physical activity patterns across levels of obesity among US adults. Methods: The frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activities were compared across obesity status in 7695 adults from NHANES, 1999-2006. Results: Significantly more normal-weight adults engaged in moderate-and vigorous-intensity activities and for a longer duration than did their overweight or obese counterparts. Lower intensity, longer duration walking contributed to nearly half of all moderate activity among obese subjects. Conclusions: Significant differences exist in intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity by weight status. This information suggests a targeted approach to current physical activity interventions be explored.