An assessment of the relationship of physical activity, obesity, and chronic diseases/conditions between active/obese and sedentary/ normal weight American women in a national sample.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity and physical inactivity are associated with increased rates of chronic diseases and conditions. However, the 'fit but fat' theory posits that cardiopulmonary fitness (or physical activity) can mitigate risks to health associated with obesity. The purpose of this study was to compare chronic diseases and conditions of highly active/obese women with inactive/normal weight women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. METHODS: Weighted descriptive statistics were performed to describe the demographic characteristics of the two groups. We calculated odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios for chronic diseases and conditions comparing highly active/obese women with inactive/normal weight women. RESULTS: Highly active/obese women were more likely to report risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes) for coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) than inactive/normal weight women; however, they did not have increased rates of CVD, CHD, or heart attack and had decreased risk for stroke. Highly active/obese women had increased risk for asthma, arthritis, and depression, but not for cancer, kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS: Highly active/obese women appear to be staving off the actual development of CHD and CVD; however, further research is needed to understand the long-term health benefits of physical activity among obese women.

Exercise during pregnancy and type of delivery in nulliparae.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between participation in aerobic exercise during the first two trimesters of pregnancy and type of delivery in nulliparous women. DESIGN: Nonexperimental, retrospective. SETTING: A large metropolitan area in the southwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS: 137 nulliparous women. OUTCOME MEASURES: Method of delivery. RESULTS: An unadjusted odds ratio showed that sedentary women (n = 93) were 2.05 times more likely to deliver via cesarean section than active women (n = 44), but this relationship was not statistically significant. Through logistic regression analysis with control for the mother's prepregnancy exercise program, age, use of epidural anesthesia, change in prepregnancy to delivery body mass index, labor length, whether labor was induced, and the hospital of birth, the odds of cesarean delivery were found to be 4.5 times greater for sedentary women than for active women. CONCLUSION: Regular participation in physical activity during the first two trimesters of pregnancy may be associated with reduced risk for cesarean delivery in nulliparous women.

Determinants of physical activity among female adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Women, and particularly African-American women, may be less physically active than what is ideal. Knowledge of factors that influence physical activity is valuable information to those planning and administering exercise promoting interventions. METHODS: The associations of 25 variables with current global physical activity were assessed via regression analysis. Eight hundred and fifty-two young women, 14-18 years of age, were sampled. Each completed a 7-day recall of physical activity and an 83-item survey. The sample was further subdivided by ethnic group, and then ethnic group and age to ascertain whether determinants of physical activity differ across these groups. RESULTS: Ethnic group (Caucasians more active) and age (younger more active) were significant influences on physical activity. Overall, nurture from biological fathers and participation in organized sports associated with physical activity. Viewing two or more hours of television per night negatively influenced physical activity. Among African-American girls (n = 626), participation in organized sports, friend support, and nurture from biological fathers significantly associated with physical activity. However, following sports through the media negatively influenced physical activity. Among Caucasians (n = 226), attitudes were the sole significant correlate of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Those planning interventions targeting female adolescents should consider employing distinct strategies for specific ethnic group and age subgroups. Opportunities for physicians to have an impact on the physical activity of female adolescents includes using their community standing to influence school policies and to counsel female patients individually during office visits.