ObjectiveFindings on weight training and waist circumference (WC) change are
controversial. This study examined prospectively whether weight training,
moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity (MVAA), and replacement of one
activity for another were associated with favorable changes in WC and body
weight (BW).MethodsPhysical activity, WC, and BW were reported in 1996 and 2008 in a
cohort of 10,500 healthy U.S. men in the Health Professionals Follow-up
Study. We used multiple linear regression models (partition/substitution) to
assess these associations.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, we observed a significant
inverse dose-response relationship between weight training and WC change
(P-trend<0.001). Less age-associated WC increase was seen with a 20
min/day activity increase; this benefit was significantly stronger for
weight training (-0.67cm, 95%CI -0.93, -0.41) than for MVAA
(-0.33cm, 95%CI -0.40, -0.27), other activities (-0.16cm,
95%CI -0.28, -0.03), or TV watching (0.08cm, 95%CI 0.05,
0.12). Substituting 20 min/day of weight training for any other
discretionary activity had the strongest inverse association with WC change.
MVAA had the strongest inverse association with BW change (-0.23kg,
95%CI -0.29, -0.17).ConclusionsAmong various activities, weight training had the strongest
association with less WC increase. Studies on frequency /volume of weight
training and WC change are warranted.
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