Influence of Sports, Physical Education, and Active Commuting to School on Adolescent Weight Status

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Among adolescents, weight status has been inversely associated with sports participation but not active commuting or physical education. Studies of each form of physical activity have not included adequate adjustments for other physical activities, previous body weight, or diet quality. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:Estimates indicate overweight/obesity and obesity prevalence would decrease by 11% and 26%, respectively, if adolescents played on at least 2 sports teams per year; obesity prevalence would decrease by 22% if adolescents walked/biked to school 4-5 days per week. abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare the associations between weight status and different forms of physical activity among adolescents. METHODS:We conducted telephone surveys with 1718 New Hampshire and Vermont high school students and their parents as part of a longitudinal study of adolescent health. We surveyed adolescents about their team sports participation, other extracurricular physical activity, active commuting, physical education, recreational activity for fun, screen time, diet quality, and demographics. Overweight/obesity (BMI for age $ 85th percentile) and obesity (BMI for age $ 95 percentile) were based on self-reported height and weight.RESULTS: Overall, 29.0% (n = 498) of the sample was overweight/obese and 13.0% (n = 223) were obese. After adjustments, sports team participation was inversely related to overweight/obesity (relative risk CONCLUSIONS: Team sport participation had the strongest and most consistent inverse association with weight status. Active commuting to school may reduce the risk of obesity, but not necessarily overweight, and should be studied further. Obesity prevention programs should consider strategies to increase team sport participation among all students. Pediatrics 2012;130:e296-e304 AUTHORS:[

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