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PubMed2001

Television watching, energy intake, and obesity in US children: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between television watching, energy intake, physical activity, and obesity status in US boys and girls, aged 8 to 16 years. METHODS: We used a nationally representative cross-sectional survey with an in-person interview and a medical examination, which included measurements of height and weight, daily hours of television watching, weekly participation in physical activity, and a dietary interview. Between 1988 and 1994, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected data on 4069 children. Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks were oversampled to produce reliable estimates for these groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity is lowest among children watching 1 or fewer hours of television a day, and highest among those watching 4 or more hours of television a day. Girls engaged in less physical activity and consumed fewer joules per day than boys. A higher percentage of non-Hispanic white boys reported participating in physical activity 5 or more times per week than any other race/ethnic and sex group. Television watching was positively associated with obesity among girls, even after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, family income, weekly physical activity, and energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: As the prevalence of overweight increases, the need to reduce sedentary behaviors and to promote a more active lifestyle becomes essential. Clinicians and public health interventionists should encourage active lifestyles to balance the energy intake of children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Physical activity in middle school-aged children participating in a school-based recreation program.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of obesity in children may be attributed in part to increased sedentary behavior, such as watching television, which leads to less energy expended in physical activity. We have theorized that by middle school, many children lack the physical skills or self-confidence to participate in competitive physical activities. Thus, we hypothesized that if we provided a summer and after-school program featuring noncompetitive, outdoor activities such as gardening and adventure education, we would observe increased physical activity relative to habitual physical activities at home. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, 2 experiments were conducted. In the first, 4 children aged 12 years were evaluated while they participated in a summer recreation program for 2 hours and again while they watched a videotape. They wore a uniaxial accelerometer to assess physical movement, and we used a bicarbonate labeled with 13C tracer technique to assess energy expenditure. In a second experiment, we evaluated 8 children (aged 10-12 years) twice using uniaxial accelerometry only, once while they attended the after-school program for 2 hours and then during a similar period at home. RESULTS: The first study showed that the estimated energy expenditure (kilocalories. kilograms-1. hours-1) was 60% increased during the program (mean +/- SD) (2.6 +/- 0.5) compared with watching a videotape (1.6 +/- 0.3) (P =.02). Physical movement (accelerations per minute) also was significantly increased (3959 +/- 896 vs 513 +/- 182) (P =.004). In the second experiment, movement was 95% increased during the program (4578 +/- 1004) compared with the behavior at home (2345 +/- 746) (P =.005). CONCLUSION: These results show that an organized, noncompetitive, leisure-time program can increase physical activity in children.

Breath Tests↗

PubMed2006

Cardiorespiratory fitness levels among US youth 12 to 19 years of age: findings from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess cardiorespiratory fitness levels in youth aged 12 to 19 years and to examine associations between fitness and age, sex, race/ethnicity, and self-reported physical activity in this age group. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey's mobile examination center, throughout the United States from 1999-2002. PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 4732 youth aged 12 to 19 years was examined; 3287 completed the treadmill test and were included in the analysis. The National Center for Health Statistics conducted the survey. Main Exposures Age, sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, self-reported physical activity, and television viewing. Main Outcome Measure Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) determined by a submaximal treadmill exercise test. RESULTS: Estimated VO2max (mL.kg(-1) . min(-1)) was higher in males (mean +/- SE, 46.4 +/- 0.4) than in females (mean +/- SE, 38.7 +/- 0.3) but did not differ across race/ethnicity groups. Among males, older participants had higher VO2max values, while in females, younger participants had higher values. For both males and females, those in the normal weight group had higher fitness levels than those in the at risk for overweight and overweight groups. Approximately one third of both males and females failed to meet recommended standards for cardiorespiratory fitness. CONCLUSIONS: In US youth, cardiorespiratory fitness is lower in males and females who are overweight than in those of normal weight, but fitness is not related to race/ethnicity. Youth who have low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior are also more likely to have lower cardiorespiratory fitness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Physical activity, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Sedentary lifestyle and overweight are major public health, clinical, and economical problems in modern societies. The worldwide epidemic of excess weight is due to imbalance between physical activity and dietary energy intake. Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and consequent overweight and obesity markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity 45-60 min per day prevents unhealthy weight gain and obesity, whereas sedentary behaviors such as watching television promote them. Regular exercise can markedly reduce body weight and fat mass without dietary caloric restriction in overweight individuals. An increase in total energy expenditure appears to be the most important determinant of successful exercise-induced weight loss. The best long-term results may be achieved when physical activity produces an energy expenditure of at least 2,500 kcal/week. Yet, the optimal approach in weight reduction programs appears to be a combination of regular physical activity and caloric restriction. A minimum of 60 min, but most likely 80-90 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per day may be needed to avoid or limit weight regain in formerly overweight or obese individuals. Regular moderate intensity physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding unhealthy weight gain are effective and safe ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and to reduce premature mortality in all population groups. Although the efforts to promote cardiovascular health concern the whole population, particular attention should be paid to individuals who are physically inactive, have unhealthy diets or are prone to weight gain. They have the highest risk for worsening of the cardiovascular risk factor profile and for cardiovascular disease. To combat the epidemic of overweight and to improve cardiovascular health at a population level, it is important to develop strategies to increase habitual physical activity and to prevent overweight and obesity in collaboration with communities, families, schools, work sites, health care professionals, media and policymakers.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1999

The health benefits of physical activity in children and adolescents: implications for chronic disease prevention.

UNLABELLED: Clinical, epidemiological and basic research evidence clearly supports the inclusion of regular physical activity as a tool for the prevention of chronic disease and the enhancement of overall health. In children, activities of a moderate intensity may enhance overall health, and assist in preventing chronic disease in at-risk youth. The numerous health benefits of regular exercise are dependent on the type, intensity and volume of activity pursued by the individual. These benefits include reduction of low density lipoproteins while increasing high density lipoprotein; improvement of glucose metabolism in patients with type II diabetes; improved strength, self esteem and body image; and reduction in the occurrence of back injuries. In addition, a progressive, moderate-intensity exercise program will not adversely effect the immune system and may have a beneficial effect on the interleukin-2/natural killer cell system. Furthermore, by decreasing sedentary behaviors and, thus, increasing daily physical activity, individuals may experience many stress-reducing benefits, which may enhance the immune system. CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity exercise of a non-structured nature seems to facilitate most of the disease prevention goals and health promoting benefits. With new guidelines promoting a less intense and more time-efficient approach to regular physical activity, it is hoped that an upward trend in the physical activity patterns, and specifically children at risk for chronic disease, will develop in the near future.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Aerial monitoring of marine waterfowl in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.

The purpose of this study was to design and test a monitoring protocol for marine waterfowl in the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea. The study provides an important case-study of how a long-term monitoring program may be affected by unanticipated human disturbances. Because of its overwhelming and widespread abundance, relatively sedentary behavior, ease in counting, and the extensive historical database, the long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) was selected as the focal species. Two null hypotheses were formulated concerning potential changes in the numbers and distribution of long-tailed ducks in relation to disturbance in an industrial study area, compared to a reference study area located about 50 km to the east. A 9-year historical database (1977-1984, 1989) of long-tailed duck densities and other important data recorded during systematic aerial surveys was analyzed retrospectively using multiple regression techniques. The retrospective analyses determined which of several predictor variables recorded were significantly related to long-tailed duck density. Separate analyses were conducted for two periods: (1) the overall period when long-tailed ducks were present in the lagoon study areas, and (2) the shorter adult male molt period. The results of the two analyses indicated that 57% and 68%, respectively, of the total variation in long-tailed duck density during the two periods could be explained by variables recorded during the surveys. Predictor variables representing habitat, day of the year, time of day, amount of ice, and wave height recorded on-transect during surveys were most closely associated with long-tailed duck density. Measurement error during the surveys, and influences outside the study area such as nesting success in tundra habitats and mortality during migration and in over-wintering areas likely also had strong influences on the results, but these factors were not measurable in our study. Based on results of the retrospective analyses, a long-term monitoring protocol consisting of a program of systematic aerial surveys and an analyses of variance and covariance (ANOVA and ANCOVA) statistical procedure was designed and initially tested in 1990 and 1991. This 2-year testing phase resulted in several revisions to the monitoring protocol. Refinements were made to the original sampling procedures, to the survey schedule, and to the recommended statistical analysis procedures. Results of the ANOVA and ANCOVA indicated that there was no evidence of a change in long-tailed duck densities that could be attributable to disturbance (from any source) in the industrial study area relative to a reference area with no industrial development. Other analyses indicated that the sampling and analysis procedures would be adequate to detect long-term trends in long-tailed duck density and localized disturbance effects, but that the monitoring program should be continued well beyond two years to detect statistically significant changes. As a result, additional aerial surveys of both study areas were conducted again during 1999-2001. Results of the revised ANOVA and ANCOVA of the 1990-1991 and 1999-2001 survey data indicated that the density of long-tailed ducks had significantly declined in coastal lagoons along the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast during the study period. In addition, disturbances throughout the barrier island-lagoon systems used by these ducks, including both the industrial and the reference study areas, had significantly increased over the same period. However, because unanticipated disturbances from a variety of anthropogenic sources, and not just industry sources, increased in both study areas, the reference study area was not an effective statistical control. As a result, the decline in long-tailed duck density in both study areas was not attributable to industry-related activities. Although the monitoring protocol described here is an effective method to detect statistically significant changes in long-tailed duck distribution and abundance in the nearshore Alaskan Beaufort Sea, many more years of sampling would be necessary to attribute observed changes to industry-related disturbances.

Alaska↗

PubMed2005

Characteristics associated with differences in reported versus measured total cholesterol among male physicians.

We studied 4,543 male physicians to assess accuracy of self-reported cholesterol level. The rate of accurate reporting improved over 14 years (25% to 62%), while failing to report a cholesterol level decreased. Overweight, current or past smoking, and physical inactivity were significantly associated with not reporting or inaccurately reporting cholesterol level. Though an increasing proportion of physicians accurately reported their cholesterol level over time, those at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease tended to underestimate or fail to report their cholesterol level. Knowledge may be a critical factor in empowering physicians and patients to advocate for and adopt healthier lifestyles. EDITORS' STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: Rates of sedentary behavior and obesity in the U.S. continue to rise. In this promising study with a large sample, a longitudinal design, and multi-method assessments, we find that--even among this sample of highly educated medical professionals--those individuals who are at greatest cardiovascular risk might require different types of monitoring, motivational interventions, or health education.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Dietary fat and postprandial lipids.

Impaired clearance of chylomicron remnants is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. An intake of 40 to 50 g of fat in a meal results in significant lipemia in healthy adults, with consecutive fat-containing meals enhancing the lipemia. This would suggest that limiting fat intake to approximately 30 g on each eating occasion would minimize postprandial lipemia. Sedentary behavior and obesity independently impair the postprandial metabolism of lipids. Postprandial lipemia causes endothelial dysfunction and results in a transient increase in factor VII activated (FVIIa) concentration. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity is associated with fasting plasma triacylglycerol concentration, but is not influenced by postprandial lipemia. Trans-18:1 acid appears to increase cholesterol ester transfer activity acutely compared with oleate. Randomized stearic acid-rich fats result in less postprandial lipemia and a lower postprandial increase in FVIIa, whereas unrandomized cocoa butter results in similar postprandial lipemia and increases in FVIIa compared with oleate. A background diet containing in excess of 3 g/d of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids decreases postprandial lipemia by stimulating lipoprotein lipase expression and decreasing very low-density lipoprotein synthesis, but a diet enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (up to 9.5 g/d) does not show these effects. Future research on diet and postprandial lipids needs to exploit newly gained knowledge on the regulation of adipocyte metabolism by adipokines and nuclear hormone receptors, particularly with regard to fat patterning and reverse cholesterol transport.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Observed environmental features and the physical activity of adolescent males.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been reported that adult physical activity was associated with environmental features. The aim of this study was to determine whether environmental features were associated with physical activity among male adolescents. METHODS: Physical activity levels of 210 Boy Scouts were assessed for 3 days by accelerometry during 2003 and 2004. Mean minutes of sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity were calculated. Environmental features within a 400-meter radius of each participant's home address were assessed by direct observation using the Systematic Pedestrian and Cycling Environmental Scan (SPACES) instrument. Principal component factor analysis reduced the 35 SPACES items to four factors. Hierarchical and spatial regressions were conducted with physical activity as the dependent variable and environmental factors, age, body mass index, and ethnicity as independent variables. RESULTS: Four factors were obtained: walking/cycling ease, tidiness, sidewalk characteristics, and street access and condition. Sidewalk characteristics were negatively associated with minutes of sedentary behavior while age was positively associated. Sidewalk characteristics were positively associated with minutes of light-intensity physical activity and age negatively associated. No environmental factor correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: A sidewalk characteristics factor, composed of sidewalk location, sidewalk material, presence of streetlights, and number and height of trees, was positively associated with light-intensity physical activity among male adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Built and social environments associations with adolescent overweight and activity.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the patterning of neighborhood characteristics, beyond the basic urban, rural, suburban trichotomy, and its impact on physical activity (PA) and overweight. METHODS: Nationally representative data (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, 1994-1995, n = 20,745) were collected. Weight, height, PA, and sedentary behavior were self-reported. Using diverse measures of the participants' residential neighborhoods (e.g., socioeconomic status, crime, road type, street connectivity, PA recreation facilities), cluster analyses identified homogeneous groups of adolescents sharing neighborhood characteristics. Poisson regression predicted relative risk (RR) of being physically active (five or more bouts/week of moderate to vigorous PA) and overweight (body mass index equal or greater than the 95th percentile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics growth curves). RESULTS: Six robust neighborhood patterns were identified: (1) rural working class; (2) exurban; (3) newer suburban; (4) upper-middle class, older suburban; (5) mixed-race urban; and (6) low-socioeconomic-status (SES) inner-city areas. Compared to adolescents living in newer suburbs, those in rural working-class (adjusted RR[ARR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-1.69), exurban (ARR = 1.30, CI = 1.04-1.64), and mixed-race urban (ARR = 1.31, CI = 1.05-1.64) neighborhoods were more likely to be overweight, independent of individual SES, age, and race/ethnicity. Adolescents living in older suburban areas were more likely to be physically active than residents of newer suburbs (ARR = 1.11, CI = 1.04-1.18). Those living in low-SES inner-city neighborhoods were more likely to be active, though not significantly so, compared to mixed-race urban residents (ARR = 1.09, CI = 1.00-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate disadvantageous associations between specific rural and urban environments and behavior, illustrating important effects of the neighborhood on health and the inherent complexity of assessing residential landscapes across the United States. Simple classical urban-suburban-rural measures mask these important complexities.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Use of wearable technologies for physical activity promotion in older adults: A systematic review.

This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251055299), examined the use of wearable technologies for promoting physical activity (PA) in adults aged 60 years and older. Searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane) identified 2438 records, of which only six randomized controlled trials published between 2021 and 2025 met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 36 to 551 participants and mean ages between 65 and 79 years. Given the small number of included studies, findings should be interpreted as preliminary. The studies ranged from the standalone use of commercial trackers (Fitbit, Polar, ActiGraph) to multicomponent interventions combining wearables with physiotherapist feedback, telephone counseling, web-based platforms, or interactive cognitive-motor training. Wearables used alone, as in the REACT trial, produced small or non-significant PA effects. In contrast, interventions integrating devices with personalized feedback, professional support, or digital platforms, such as PROMOTE and TASMANIA, were associated with more consistent improvements in PA, physical function, and cognitive outcomes. Multicomponent programs, such as PEER and ICMT, reported broader benefits, including cognition, balance, and reductions in sedentary behavior, though these findings derive from individual trials and require replication. Risk of bias, assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 (RoB 2.0), was rated as "some concerns" for five studies and low for only one, mainly due to gaps in randomization reporting, missing data, and lack of preregistration. Tentatively, and based on a very limited evidence base, wearables may have greater impact when embedded within broader behavioral systems, incorporating feedback, coaching, or interactive components, rather than when used in isolation as passive monitoring tools. Adherence and psychosocial outcomes appeared related to comfort and perceived usefulness among older adults, though larger and more robust trials are needed to confirm these patterns.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Physical activity patterns of children after neonatal arterial switch operation.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major atherosclerosis risk factor. The exercise tolerance is usually excellent after neonatal arterial switch operation, but those patients in whom coronary anomalies remain the main late complication, risk developing atherosclerotic coronary disease owing to perceived physical activity restrictions. METHODS: We investigated physical activity patterns of 52 unselected children 7 to 14 years after neonatal arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries by 24-hour continuous heart rate monitoring. The percentage of heart rate reserve was used to measure the amounts of activities. Comparisons were made with 35 children with repaired atrial or ventricular septal defect and with 127 age-matched healthy children. RESULTS: Children after arterial switch operation accumulated 167.3 +/- 70.6, 25.3 +/- 12.9, and 15.7 +/- 11.3 minutes a day (mean +/- SD) of light, moderate, and vigorous physical activities, respectively. At the same activity levels, children with repaired septal defect accumulated 165.2 +/- 82.2, 26.2 +/- 11.7, and 16.2 +/- 9.1 minutes a day, and their healthy peers 164.8 +/- 74.5, 31.8 +/- 13.9, and 21.9 +/- 11.3 minutes a day. Both cardiac groups were significantly less active than the control group when considering moderate (p = 0.026) and vigorous activities (p = 0.006). Only 19% and 27% of the children after arterial switch operation engaged, respectively, in more than 30 minutes a day of moderate activity and 20 minutes a day of vigorous activity. CONCLUSIONS: Children after arterial switch operation, just like other cardiac children, do not meet the guidelines for physical activity. We should encourage regular physical activity to offset adult sedentary behavior and to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in those patients whose long-term function of the coronary arteries remains a matter of concern.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

A rationale and method for high-intensity progressive resistance training with children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is implicated in the metabolic abnormalities that track into adulthood. The associated increased incidence of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes being identified in younger cohorts has given rise to a critical global health issue. Muscular strength is a vital component of metabolic fitness that provides protection from insulin resistance in adults, and we have recently shown this to be true in children as well. Targeting muscular strength deficiencies at an early age may be an effective preventative strategy for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. PURPOSE: There is limited evidence-based best practice for progressive resistance training (PRT), adiposity and metabolic fitness in children and adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology we utilized for implementing a PRT program to avoid publication bias, enable replication of the study and share a novel program that we have found safe and suitable for use with youth. METHODS: We conducted the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) prescribing high-intensity PRT to children and adolescents (10-15 years) as a community-based primary prevention program to address adiposity and metabolic health. Participants were instructed to complete 2 sets of 8 repetitions of 11 exercises targeting all the major muscle groups twice a week at an RPE of 15-18 for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Primary outcome was waist circumference; secondary outcomes included insulin resistance, lipid levels, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, self-efficacy, self-concept, habitual physical activity, nutritional and sedentary behavior patterns. CONCLUSION: The supervised PRT program that we used with children and adolescents has been described in detail. The efficacy of this modality of exercise for metabolic fitness and other health outcomes is now under investigation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Validation of a questionnaire measure of the relative reinforcing value of food.

The traditional method of measuring the relative reinforcing value of food provides subjects a choice of food and non-food alternatives, and defines the relative reinforcing value of food based on the allocation of responses for the two alternatives as the schedules of reinforcement for the alternatives change. Greater allocation of responses for one alternative versus another reflects the relative reinforcing value of the alternatives. This method was designed for laboratory use, but methods are needed to extend measurement of reinforcing value to applied research environments. Two experiments were conducted to assess the validity of a questionnaire measure of the relative reinforcing value of food in normal weight university samples. Study 1 (n=39) assessed the relationship between the relative reinforcing value of snack food versus fruits and vegetables (condition 1) or enjoyable sedentary behaviors (condition 2) as measured by the questionnaire and standardized computerized concurrent schedules criterion. A significant relationship (Pearson r=0.49, p<0.01; Guttman's MU2=0.69) across the two conditions between the two methods of measuring food reinforcement was observed. Experiment 2 (n=10) utilized a within-subject counterbalanced design to manipulate food deprivation and hunger levels to determine if food deprivation increased the reinforcing value of snack food as measured by the questionnaire to provide an index of validity of the questionnaire. Results showed that food deprivation increased the relative reinforcing value of snack food. Results from both studies suggest that the questionnaire has good validity, and may represent an efficient and reliable method of assessing the relative reinforcing value of food.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

A diet quality index for American preschoolers based on current dietary intake recommendations and an indicator of energy balance.

OBJECTIVE: Based on current dietary intake recommendations and a recommendation to limit sedentary activity in preschoolers, an overall diet quality index for preschoolers (RC-DQI) incorporating a component for energy balance to measure adequacy of nutrition for growth, development, and disease prevention was developed. DESIGN/SUBJECTS: The newly developed index was used in nationally representative samples of 2- to 5-year-olds in the US Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994-96 and 1998 (n=5,437). Index components included added sugar, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, total and whole grains, fruits, vegetables, excess fruit juice, dairy, iron, and an interaction term of total daily energy intake and sedentary behavior (television time). Points were allocated to reflect deficient or excessive intakes. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: Means and standard errors were used to describe food intakes and RC-DQI scores. Ability to differentiate diets was ascertained using mean intakes of food groups/nutrients followed by a nonparametric test of trends across ordered groups. Correlation coefficients measured dependence among RC-DQI components, nutrients, and overall energy intakes. Component scores of the highest and lowest quartile of RC-DQI were compared. RESULTS: Mean RC-DQI score was 64 points (range=28 to 93). Increasing RC-DQI scores were associated with improved diet quality. Children in the lowest RC-DQI quartile scored lower in all components. CONCLUSIONS: The RC-DQI successfully differentiated diets by level of diet quality. Increasing scores were associated with decreasing consumption of added sugar and juices, and increasing intakes of fiber, essential fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables. The RC-DQI can be used to determine diet quality in groups of preschool-age children.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2004

Overweight and obesity in Canadian adolescents and their associations with dietary habits and physical activity patterns.

PURPOSE: To present recent overweight and obesity prevalence rates for 11-16-year-old Canadian youth and to examine associations between overweight and obesity with dietary habits and leisure-time physical activities. METHODS: Nationally representative sample of 11-16-year-old adolescents (n = 5890) from the Canadian component of the 2001/02 World Health Organization Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Survey were used. Height, weight, dietary habits, and leisure-time activities were determined from self-report. Age- and gender-specific prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were calculated based on international body mass index cut-points. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association among measures of overweight, obesity, and lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of 11-16-year-old Canadian youth were overweight (preobese) and 4.6% were obese in 2002. These prevalence rates were greater in boys than girls (p < .001), but did not vary according to age. There were no clear associations observed between dietary habits and measures of overweight and obesity. However, physical activity levels were lower (p < or = .05) and television viewing times were higher (p < .01) in overweight and obese boys and girls than normal-weight youth. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in Canadian youth are high. The results suggest that physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors are strongly related to obesity in Canadian adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Motivational factors associated with sports program participation in middle school students.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were 1) to identify gender-specific motivational factors associated with sports program participation and attrition in middle school students and 2) to examine the relationships among sports program participation, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in this age group. METHODS: Seventh and eighth grade students (N = 1692) completed a questionnaire to measure sports program participation and factors that may motivate continued participation in or attrition from sports. The psychometric properties of the participation and attrition scales were tested using gender-separate exploratory factor analysis. Analysis of variance (participation status*gender) was used to identify differences in motivational factor scores and physical activity variables. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the students were recent participants (within the past year), 10% were former participants, and 10% had never participated. For boys, the participation factors were labeled (in order) competition, social benefits, and fitness. For girls, factor structures were slightly different than the boys, which loaded as; social + skill benefits, competition, and fitness. For both genders, lack of interest, coaching problems, and time barriers were identified as attrition factors. Recent sport participants reported more time in vigorous (p < .01), stretching (p = .03), and strengthening activities (p < .01) and less time watching television (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Gender-specific motivational factors exist for middle school youth; boys are more attracted to the competitive aspects of sports whereas girls are more motivated by the social opportunities that sports provide. Boys and girls who participate in sports are more physically active, so it is important to develop programs that children want to participate in and maximize retention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Television viewing in early childhood predicts adult body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of duration, timing and type of television (TV) viewing at age 5 years on body mass index (BMI) in adult life. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: 1970 British Birth Cohort, followed up at 5 (N=13,135), 10 (N=14,875), and 30 years (N=11,261). OUTCOME MEASURES: Weekday and weekend TV viewing at 5 years, type of programs, and maternal attitudes toward TV at age 5 years. BMI z-score at 10 and 30 years. RESULTS: Mean daily hours of TV viewed at weekends predicted higher BMI z-score at 30 years (coefficient=0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.05, P=.01) when adjusted for TV viewing and activity level at 10 years, sex, socioeconomic status, parental BMIs, and birth weight. Each additional hour of TV watched on weekends at 5 years increased risk of adult obesity (BMI > or =30 kg/m2) by 7% (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.01, 1.13, P=.02). Weekday viewing, type of program and maternal attitudes to TV at 5 years were not independently associated with adult BMI z-score. CONCLUSIONS: Weekend TV viewing in early childhood continues to influence BMI in adulthood. Interventions to influence obesity by reducing sedentary behaviors must begin in early childhood. Interventions focusing on weekend TV viewing may be particularly effective.

Adult↗