In January 2019 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess how physical activity, sedentary activity and food intake affected obesity and waist circumference in 4,118 individuals (49% men; 51% women), aged 20 to 64. Information was obtained from data collected during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey undertaken 2013-2014. 39% of individuals were considered obese (body mass index 30 and above) and 55% to have abdominal obesity. Results showed that individuals who watched television or videos for 2 hours or more per day were more likely to be obese or to have abdominal obesity but when physical activity was taken into consideration the association remained for men only. In fact, moderate physical activity for 150 minutes or more a week appeared to be associated with a reduced incidence of abdominal obesity in both men and women. It was also seen that eating out increased the incidence of obesity, but only in women.
Kim D et al. Factors Affecting Obesity and Waist Circumference Among US Adults. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Jan 3;16:E02