Association between physical inactivity in leisure, work, commuting, and household domains and nutritional status in adults in the capital cities of Brazil

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association between different domains (leisure, work, commuting, and household) of physical activity, independent and cumulative, and excess weight and obesity in Brazilian adults.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional survey, conducted in 2015, through telephone interviews with a representative sample of adults from the capitals of Brazil. Physical inactivity was defined as non-participation in predefined physical activities for each assessed domain. Excess weight (Body Mass Index≥25kg/m2 ) and obesity (Body Mass Index≥30kg/m2) were determined from self-reported measurements of weight and height. A binary logistic regression was conducted after adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results
Among 54,174 subjects, physical inactivity in commuting (ORexcess weight=1.27, 95%CI=1.13,1.42 and ORobesity=1.25, 95%CI=1.06,1.47) and leisure (ORexcess weight=1.12, 95%CI=1.04,1.22 and ORobesity=1.30, 95%CI=1.17,1.45) domains were associated with nutritional status. In addition, a linear trend was observed between increasing obesity and cumulative physical inactivity of all four domains (p<0.001).

Conclusion
Cumulative physical inactivity, especially in the commuting and leisure domains, was associated with excess weight and obesity in adults living in the capitals of Brazil. One possible explanation of these findings is that these domains involve particularly longer duration and greater intensity of physical inactivity. Public policies concerning physical activity should prioritize actions focused in promoting physical activity on commuting and leisure-time to help prevent overweight and obesity in the Brazilian adult population.