Differences in Amounts and Types of Physical Activity by Obesity Status in US Adults

OBJECTIVES: To describe the physical activity patterns across levels of obesity among US adults. METHODS: The frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activities were compared across obesity status in 7695 adults from NHANES, 1999-2006. RESULTS: Significantly more normal-weight adults engaged in moderate- and vigorous- intensity activities and for a longer duration than did their overweight or obese counterparts. Lower intensity, longer duration walking contributed to nearly half of all moderate activity among obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist in intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity by weight status. This information suggests a targeted approach to current physical activity interventions be explored.