Changes in BMI and physical activity from youth to adulthood distinguish normal-weight, metabolically obese adults from those who remain healthy.

Highlights: Adults with MONW have a lower BMI during youth until young adulthood, but higher BMI after this than adults with metabolically healthy normal weight. Adults with MONW have a greater decrease in physical activity from youth to adulthood than other adults. Healthy lifestyle is important in the prevention of metabolic disorders, particularly in individuals who are slim in childhood. Background: Individuals with metabolically obese normal-weight (MONW) have higher risk of cardiovascular events than those with obesity but a metabolically healthy status. Etiological factors leading to MONW are not well known. We hypothesized distinct trajectories of changes in BMI and physical activity may modify metabolic risk and distinguish individuals with MONW from those who remain healthy. Methods: We compared the mean levels of BMI and physical activity at eight time points (1980, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2007, 2011) between MONW and healthy normal-weight adults using linear mixed-model analysis. The analyses included 1180 participants of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study, a population-based study that represents six different age cohorts 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 years of age at baseline. Results: Individuals with adult MONW had significantly lower BMI in childhood and young adulthood, but their BMI increased more than in other adults after this age (p<0.001for interaction between time and MONW status). Physical activity decreased relatively more since youth in individuals with adult MONW (p<0.001). Conclusions: Relative leanness in youth and subsequent weight gain in young adulthood, and a gradual decrease in physical activity levels from youth to adulthood, predispose normal-weight individuals to metabolic impairments. The results highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of metabolic disorders, particularly in individuals who are slim in childhood.

Longitudinal physical activity trajectories from childhood to adulthood and their determinants: The Young Finns Study.

Determining lifelong physical activity (PA) trajectories and their determinants is essential to promote a physically active lifestyle throughout the life-course. We aimed to identify PA trajectories from childhood to midlife and their determinants in a longitudinal population-based cohort. This study is a part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. From 1980, a population-based cohort (N = 3596; 1764 boys/1832 girls, age 3-18 years) has been followed up for 31 years. PA indices were formed based on self-reported data (between age 9-49 years) on frequency, duration, and intensity of leisure (during childhood) or high-intensity (at later age) PA and on sports club participation/competitions. PA trajectories were analyzed using group-based trajectory modeling. Childhood (age 12 years), young adulthood (age 24 years), and early midlife (age 37 years) determinants were analyzed. Five PA trajectories were identified: persistently active (6.6%), decreasingly active (13.9%), increasingly active (13.5%), persistently low active (51.4%, reference group), persistently inactive (14.6%). In childhood, rural residential area (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.96) and high academic performance (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.58-3.00) associated with persistently active group. In early midlife, smoking (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.07-2.58) associated with persistently inactive group, regular alcohol drinking (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.12-7.55) with persistently active group and having children (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.27-3.38) with decreasingly active group. High adulthood education associated with both decreasingly (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.05-3.35) and increasingly (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.19-3.68) active groups. We identified five PA trajectories from childhood into midlife. Most prominent determinants were academic achievement, education, having children and health habits (i.e. smoking/alcohol use).

Differences in physical activity at recess and school-related social factors in four Finnish lower secondary schools.

This study investigated the differences in physical activity (PA) at recess and school-related social factors, and described school PA promotion processes and staff experiences at four lower secondary schools from the Finnish Schools on the Move programme. Recess PA, peer relationships at school, relatedness to school, and school climate were assessed via surveys with eighth-grade students in spring 2011 (n = 385) and spring 2013 (n = 373). Local contact people in the school projects (n = 6), school staff (n = 83) and principals (n = 3) provided information on the PA promotion process via telephone interviews and surveys. Differences in student-level data in years 2011 and 2013 were analysed by gender using two-way ANOVA. Data on school processes were analysed using a combination of classification, narrative approach and content analysis.In two of the four schools, male students reported higher levels of recess PA in 2013 compared to 2011. In three schools, school-related social factors did not differ between 2011 and 2013. School cultures and routes towards a more physically active school day differed; the project was highly visible in all schools, but staff participation varied. More research is needed to determine the effective physically active strategies to promote positive social well-being and to enhance staff engagement.

Adolescents' physical activity at recess and actions to promote a physically active school day in four Finnish schools.

The national Finnish Schools on the Move programme support schools with their individual plans to promote school-based physical activity (PA). We examined the changes in adolescents' recess and overall PA in four lower secondary schools and described the school actions to promote students' PA and the local contact persons' perceptions of the effects. Recess and overall PA were assessed four times by anonymous questionnaires from students in grades 7-9 (n = 789) in 2010-12, and local contact persons (n = 7) provided information on school actions with diaries, interviews and surveys. Student data were analysed with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, and school actions data were analysed with quantitative content analysis. The proportion of students who participated in physical activities at recess at least sometimes increased from 30% to 49% in physically active play and from 33% to 42% in ball games, mostly due to improvements in males' participation. Females' participation in recess activities increased in two schools with gender-specific physical activities or facilities. Overall PA levels declined slightly. Organized recess activities, student recess activators and equipment provision and sports facilities development were considered to have affected students' PA positively. Solutions for getting females more physically active in the school setting are needed.

Relationship between fundamental motor skills and physical activity in 4-year-old preschool children.

This study evaluated the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in 4-year-old children. Physical activity was monitored in 20 girls and 17 boys over 5 consecutive days (3 days at preschool and 2 days at home) and their fundamental motor skills measured. Multiple linear regressions controlled for sex, age, and body mass index indicated that the total skill score was significantly associated with physical activity, explaining 13%, 16%, and 16% of the variance in total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to-vigorous physical activity, respectively. Sliding and galloping were significantly associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and throwing and catching combination was significantly associated with total, moderate-to-vigorous, and light-to-vigorous physical activity. The findings warrant future investigations with larger samples to examine the relationship between locomotor, manipulative skills, and physical activity behaviors.

Physical activity, emotional and behavioural problems, maternal education and self-reported educational performance of adolescents.

This study examined whether physical activity, mental health and socio-economic position were associated with the overall academic performance and future educational plans of adolescents aged 15-16 years. We used a sample of 7002 boys and girls from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Data were collected by a postal enquiry in 2001-02. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated and adjusted for family structure and all variables in the models. In the fully adjusted models, higher levels of physical activity and high parental socio-economic position were associated with higher overall academic performance and future plans for higher education. High scoring on behavioural problems was related to lower overall academic performance and poorer future academic plans. In summary, a higher level of physical activity, fewer behavioural problems and higher socio-economic position were independently associated with high self-perceived overall academic performance and plans for higher education among adolescents. The interrelations of these factors and the positive relationship between physical activity, mental health and school outcomes provide a context of critical importance for future research, intervention programming and policy directed at improving the educational attainment of adolescents.