The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Obesity-related Chronic Disease: a Cohort Study

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the physical activity level of men with women and to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in Ravansar, Kermanshah province, Iran. Method: This study was conducted based on the data from Ravansar non-communicable disease (RaNCD) cohort study examining 10059 men and women aged 35-65. The body mass index, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar were measured. The standard physical activity questionnaire (SPAQ) was obtained and the participants were divided into three categories; inactive, relatively active, and active using MET. Results: The results show that 47.42% of participants in the cohort were male (n=770). While the prevalence of diabetes was higher in men (7.98% of women vs. 8.39% of men), the prevalence of obesity (36.5% vs. 16.8%), and blood pressure (18.28% vs. 16.8%) were higher in women, respectively. Only 33.6% of men and 10.1% of women were categorized as active (MET≥45) (p 0.001). Active men and women (METs≥45) had lower risks for developing obesity, diabetes, and hypertension compared with inactive counterparts (METs = 24-36.5). Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of obesity and overweight and also the effect of increased physical activity on reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension development, suitable programs to increase the physical activity level must be considered in men and women.