Associations of Sedentary Behavior With Total and Central Adiposity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND/

Objective

Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with total adiposity, a key cardiometabolic risk factor; however, evidence using indices reflecting body fat distribution remains limited in older adults. Additionally, associations between SB and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are also inconsistent. This study evaluated associations of objectively measured SB with total and central adiposity, and context-specific SB with HRQOL in older adults.

Methods

SB and physical activity were measured via accelerometry and survey from 40 adults ≥60 years old. Adiposity was assessed using body fat percentage (BOD POD), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body roundness index (BRI). HRQOL was assessed using validated surveys. Associations were examined using multivariable linear regression.

Results

SB was positively associated with body fat percentage (β = 0.42, p < .05), WC (β = 0.38, p < .01), WHtR (β = 0.43, p < .01), and BRI (β = 0.44, p < .01), controlling for sex. After adjusting for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, associations remained significant for WC (β = 0.29, p < .05), WHtR (β = 0.32, p < .05), and BRI (β = 0.34, p < .05). These associations were attenuated to nonsignificance after further adjustment for light-intensity physical activity (p > .05). SB was not associated with physical or mental HRQOL (p < .05).

Conclusion

SB is associated with various indices of total and central adiposity in older adults. Significance/Implications: Reducing SB and increasing light-intensity physical activity, alongside moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, may be important targets for minimizing obesity risk in older adults.