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

Objectives To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity in a rural African setting in 143 adults, using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately ten years. Participants who had data for age, sex, body mass and stature measured in two health surveys were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss: ≥25 kg.m-2→<25 kg.m-2; Weight-gain: <25 kg.m-2→≥25 kg.m-2; Weight-stability: remained <25 kg.m-2 or ≥25 kg.m-2). Daily ambulation and energy expenditure, measured in the 2005-7 health survey, was examined across the weight change groups. Using the daily energy expenditure data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two physical activity guidelines (150- and 420 min.wk-1), was examined. Results Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+1.2 kg, p=0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+15.2 kg) and weight-loss (-10.8 kg) groups (p≤0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min.wk-1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (<25 kg.m-2) met the 420 min.wk-1 guideline (p<0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (<25 kg.m-2) approached 15 000 steps.day-1.