Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Weight Outcomes: Does Every Minute Count?

Abstract

Purpose

To test whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in less than the recommended 10+ minute bouts relates to weight outcomes.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

Random sample from the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Participants

4,511 adults age 18–64 from the 2003–2006 NHANES.

Method

Clinically measured body mass index (BMI) and overweight/obese status were regressed on accelerometer measures of minutes/day in higher-intensity long bouts (≥10 minutes, ≥2020 accelerometer counts per minute (CPM)), higher-intensity short bouts (<10 minutes, ≥2020 CPM), lower-intensity long bouts ((≥10 minutes, between 760–2019 CPM) and lower-intensity short bouts (<10 minutes, between 760–2019 CPM). Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were controlled.

Results

Both higher-intensity short bouts and long bouts of physical activity related to lower BMI and risk of overweight/obesity. Neither lower-intensity short bouts nor long bouts related to BMI or risk of overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

The current 10+ minute MVPA bouts guideline was based on health benefits other than weight outcomes. Our findings show that for weight gain prevention, accumulated higher- intensity PA bouts of less than 10 minutes are highly beneficial, supporting the public health promotion message that “every minute counts.”