Are cardiorespiratory fitness and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity independently associated to overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity in elderly?

Abstract

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the independent association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) with overweight and total and abdominal obesity in an elderly population.

Methods:

A total of 112 males and 185 females, 65–103 years, were assessed for PA with accelerometers and results from six‐minute walk test were used as a CRF marker. Waist circumference was dichotomized into normal or abdominal obesity and BMI was categorized into normal, overweight, or obesity. Binary logistic regression models were performed.

Results:

Binary logistic regressions showed that, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) predicted OR for abdominal obesity (OR = 1.4%; P = 0.026), obesity (OR = 2.9%; P < 0.001), and both conditions coupled (OR% = 4.0%; P < 0.001). Even adjusting for CRF, MVPA remained a significant predictor. CRF was associated with OR for abdominal obesity (OR = 0.4%; P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, higher CRF is associated with lower risk for abdominal obesity in elderly. Independently MVPA predicts OR for obesity, abdominal obesity, and the cluster of both conditions. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.