Low-frequency physical activity insufficient for aerobic conditioning is associated with lower body fat than sedentary conditions

We aimed to show the relationships between reported physical activity, fitn ess level, and body composition in healthy adult office-working Kuwaiti mal es (n = 45). Reported level of physical activity (group 0 = no routine exer cise, n = 10; group 1 = routine exercise once per wk, n = 19; group 2 = rou tine exercise two or more times per wk, n = 16) was determined from recall questionnaires. Aerobic fitness levels were assessed from resting exercise heart rates and measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (treadmill exercise, B ruce protocol). Body composition was estimated from measurements of body we ight, body height, and seven skin-folds. None of the subjects reported diet ing to reduce or maintain their body weight. Despite minimal and not statis tically significant differences in resting heart rates, VO(2)max, VO(2)max/ kg body weight, and VO(2)max/kg lean body mass, the sedentary group (group 0) had a much higher (12-14 kg) average body weight, higher (12-13 kg) body fat, and thicker skin folds than the more physically active groups 1 and 2 . Groups 1 and 2 did not differ significantly from each other with regard t o fitness and body composition parameters. Thus, routine physical activitie s insufficient to result in aerobic conditioning were found to be associate d with lower body weight and lower body fat compared to those present in su bjects reporting the total absence of any routine physical activity. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that even mild levels of routine ph ysical activity are associated with levels of energy turnover that allow le ss intense and/or frequent periods of positive energy balance, resulting in maintenance of lower body fat than in totally sedentary people. Frequency of participation in routine physical activities may also reflect the level of non-exercise related physical activities and thus relate to the ability to minimize weight gain. Nutrition 2001;17:225-229. (C) Elsevier Science In c. 2001.