
Physical
Activity, Indices of Obesity and Mean
Arterial Blood Pressure: Does Place of Living
Matters? Rural vs Urban
1038-1042
Correspondence
Department of Physiology, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar,
Punjab, India.
Introduction: Physical inactivity is a risk factor for many diseases and conditions. Adequate physical activity is considered as a key factor in the fight against the obesity epidemic. Looking at the technology based lifestyle which is increasingly becoming more popular in this era; percentage of obese is increasing every year. Even an increase in blood pressure is observed because of: stressors associated with cultural change and health behaviour changes (diet, physical activity, etc.). If no effective strategies or programs are established to fight and control the risk factors including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia; the obesity related non-communicable diseases will be prevalent in the near future and will elevate the socio-economic burden dramatically. In this era of epidemic diabetes and obesity, studying the joint influences of body mass index and physical activity becomes increasingly important because these reflect actual combined exposures.
Aims and Objectives: • To assess different levels of physical activity in the general population. • To measure BMI, Waist Circumference (indices of obesity) and mean arterial pressure.• To study the inter-relationship between physical activities, indices of obesity (BMI, WC) and mean arterial pressure in urban and rural population.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 520 subjects randomly selected from general population of district Amritsar in Punjab in the age group of 20-50 years, divided into urban (130 men and 130 women) and rural (130 men and 130 women) population. After measuring the weight and height, body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Waist circumference was taken separately. Mean arterial blood pressure was derived from diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Physical activity levels were assessed by general physical activity questionnaire.
Results: A significant decline in waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and mean arterial pressure was observed in physically active population as compared to the sedentary life style population.
Conclusion: Physical activity is the best road to good health. Urgent measures should be taken to inculcate the habit of exercising in all age groups.