J Korean Soc Study Obes.  2004 Sep;13(3):175-178.

The Role of Physical Activity in Overweight and Obesity in Japanese

• Tanaka H
• Yoshioka M
• Ayabe M
• Yahiro T
• Higuchi H
• Higaki Y
• Amand JS
• Miyazaki H
• Yoshitake
• Shindo M

Abstract

To investigate the association of physical activity(PA) with overweight and obesity in Japanese men and women, a large cross-sectional study was performed using a new single-axis accelerometer which can assess a total energy expenditure, number of steps, and PA every 2 min for 6 weeks. Four hundred male and 388 female Japanese volunteers, aged from 18 to 84 yr, in Japan were participated in this study. PA was measured for 1 to 4 weeks and was then categorized into three activity levels which were defined as light, moderate and vigorous PA. Number of steps and time spent in moderate and vigorous PA per day were lower in overweight and obese individuals(BMIgamma25). No difference was found in time spent in light PA. Individuals who are in the 4th and 5th quintile of moderate and vigorous PA showed a significantly lower BMI. When odd ratios(OR) of overweight and obesity estimated by logistic regression were used as effect measures, overweight and obesity were negatively associated with vigorous PA(OR=0.91). These results indicate that overweight and obese individuals are spending less time for moderate to vigorous PA. Wide use of a new accelerometer may contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Keyword

Accelerometer; Obesity; Japanese and physical activity

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Energy Metabolism
Female
Humans
Japan
Logistic Models
Male
Motor Activity*
Obesity*
Overweight*
Volunteers