Physical activity and sedentary behavior: a review of longitudinal studies of weight and adiposity in youth

Abstract

AIM:To review the published prospective observational studies of the relationship of physical activity and sedentary behavior with the development of overweight and adiposity, with an emphasis on methodologic issues. METHODS: Sample size, population studied, length of follow-up, assessment of exposure (physical activity, inactivity, or sedentary behavior), assessment of outcome (relative weight, overweight, % body fatness, adiposity), statistical approach, and main findings were extracted, summarized, and key methodological issues highlighted. RESULTS: In total, 17 studies of physical activity and 15 studies of inactivity/sedentary behavior were identified; as these were not mutually exclusive, 20 unique studies were reviewed. Results were mixed, with most studies showing an inverse association of physical activity with weight or fatness outcomes and/or a direct association of inactivity/sedentary behavior with weight or fatness outcomes. The effects identified were generally of small magnitude. Imprecise measurement of activity exposures likely weakens the observed relationships. Most studies used a pre-post design and had limited duration of follow-up (r2 y). Studies with longer and more frequent follow-up did not always use the most advantageous statistical approach. CONCLUSIONS: On balance, the available evidence from prospective observational studies suggests that increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior are protective against relative weight and fatness gains over childhood and adolescence. In addition to improved measurement methods, longer and more frequent follow-up as well as truly longitudinal analysis methods would help establish these important prevention and intervention targets, and identify subgroups or development periods where interventions would likely be effective.

Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: a powerful marker of health

“…Thorough reviews have recently discussed the associations between physical activity at young ages and its short/long-term consequences on health. [5][6][7][8][9][10] However, less is known about physical fitness and health outcomes in young people. 9 In the last years, an increasing amount of research on physical fitness and health in childhood and adolescence has been published.…”

Körperlich-sportliche Aktivität und Nutzung elektronischer Medien im Kindes- und Jugendalter

“…Beispielsweise haben körper-lich aktive Kinder ein günstigeres kardiovaskuläres Risikoprofil und eine höhe-re Knochendichte, sind seltener überge-wichtig und haben ein besseres psychisches Wohlbefinden [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Körperliche Inaktivität, insbesondere in Zusammenhang mit Bildschirmmediennutzung, ist hingegen mit der Entstehung von Über-gewicht assoziiert [8][9][10].…”

Longitudinal associations of energy balance-related behaviours and cross-sectional associations of clusters and body mass index in Norwegian adolescents

“…Regarding associations between being overweight and health behaviours, no clear relation is found for fruit and vegetable intake (9)(10)(11) . Several cross-sectional studies show that the combination of high sedentary behaviour and low levels of PA results in the highest odds for being overweight (2,(12)(13)(14)(15) . In a large cohort of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, an inverse relation was found between the intake of sweets and being overweight (10) .…”