Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting

Objectives To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥ 30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately 10 years. Participants were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss: ≥ 25 kg m −2 → < 25 kg m −2 ; Weight-gain: < 25 kg m −2 → ≥ 25 kg m −2 ; Weight-stability: remained < 25 kg m −2 or ≥ 25 kg m −2 ). Daily ambulation and activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005–2007 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA guidelines (150- and 420 min week −1 ), was examined. Results Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+ 1.2 kg, p = 0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+ 15.2 kg) and weight-loss (− 10.8 kg) groups ( p ≤ 0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min week −1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m −2 ) met the 420 min week −1 guideline ( p < 0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m −2 ) approached 15,000 steps day −1 . There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.