Gender Disparities in Sedentary Habits and Physical Inactivity Patterns: More Than it Meets the Eyes

Objectives: Our study aims to unravel the complex interplay between body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and sitting time, particularly focusing on gender differences. Material and method: The study was conducted among college students of age 18-25 years. Anthropometric variables taken were blood pressure, waist circumference, weight and height. Blood sample was drawn for fasting blood sugar and lipid profile. Physical activity levels were assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical activity was classified as low, moderate and high. Results: Although there was a highly significant difference between the males and the females in height and weight their BMI and waist circumference were not significantly different. The total moderate activity(TMA), total vigorous activity (TVA), total physical activity( TPA), total sitting minutes (TSM) and average sitting (AS) were very highly significantly different between the males and the females. Results also show that participants with higher BMI have significantly lower odds (p=0.027) of performing higher physical activity. Female gender also had significant lower odds (p= 0.003) of performing high physical activity. Conclusion: Despite similar BMI values between male and female participants, gender differences emerge in physical activity patterns, with females exhibiting lower levels of vigorous activity and higher sitting times. The findings underscore the limitations of BMI as a sole health indicator, advocating for additional measures like waist circumference.