Study: Declining Activity Levels Linked to Increasing Rates of Obesity

Declining levels of physical activity are strongly linked with the increasing rates of obesity, according to Finnish researchers.

Researchers surveyed Finnish men and women to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and increased obesity over a 15-year period. Food choices, levels of physical activity, consumption of alcohol, and history of tobacco use were assessed in relation to body mass index and obesity in 24,604 people.

During the 15-year study, the incidence of obesity rose from 15.4 percent to 19.8 percent in the males and 17.2 percent to 19.4 percent in the females. The incidence of overweight increased from 45.5 percent to 48 percent in males but stayed about the same (33 percent) in the women.

The factors that had the strongest link to obesity were increased consumption of sausage and milk with low vegetable intake, and low levels of physical activity. Obesity was found more in women ex-smokers who never drank alcohol as well as male smokers who consumed more than ten drinks per week. Obesity was also found more in women who performed physical work, but in men who did not.

Changes in the levels of physical activity over time had the strongest association with increasing body mass index. An increasing intensity level of physical activity during work and leisure time was associated with a decrease in obesity, according to the study.

Researchers concluded that a physically active lifestyle combined with non-smoking, moderate consumption of alcohol and a variety of healthy foods provided the greatest chances for avoiding obesity.

Other sources: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition