Are cardiorespiratory fitness and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity independently associated to overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity in elderly?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the independent association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) with overweight and total and abdominal obesity in an elderly population.

METHODS: A total of 112 males and 185 females, 65-103 years, were assessed for PA with accelerometers and results from six-minute walk test were used as a CRF marker. Waist circumference was dichotomized into normal or abdominal obesity and BMI was categorized into normal, overweight, or obesity. Binary logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS: Binary logistic regressions showed that, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) predicted OR for abdominal obesity (OR = 1.4%; P = 0.026), obesity (OR = 2.9%; P < 0.001), and both conditions coupled (OR% = 4.0%; P < 0.001). Even adjusting for CRF, MVPA remained a significant predictor. CRF was associated with OR for abdominal obesity (OR = 0.4%; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, higher CRF is associated with lower risk for abdominal obesity in elderly. Independently MVPA predicts OR for obesity, abdominal obesity, and the cluster of both conditions.