The WATCH (Weight Activity and Time Contributes to Health) paradigm and quality of life: the impact of overweight/obesity duration on the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life

Summary Purpose Physical activity has been shown to reduce various health risks associated with obesity; however, it is less known how the duration of overweight/obesity impacts these associations. The purpose of this study was to determine how overweight/obesity status and overweight/obesity duration effects the association between physical activity and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Design Cross‐sectional and retrospective. Setting NHANES 2003–2006. Subjects One thousand five hundred and seventy‐eight adults were included in this study. Measures Moderate to vigorous physical activity was defined as ≥ 2020 activity counts in a given minute for ≥ 150 min/week; HRQOL assessed from the CDC HRQOL‐4 survey; present BMI was objectively measured and 10 year prior BMI was calculated using self‐reported body mass. Six groups were created: (i) physically active, normal weight now and 10 years ago; (ii) physically inactive, normal weight now and 10 years ago; (iii) physically active, overweight/obese now but not 10 years ago; (iv) physically active, overweight/obese now and 10 years ago; (v) physically inactive, overweight/obese now but not 10 years ago and (vi) physically inactive, overweight/obese now and 10 years ago. Analysis Multivariable ordinal regression. Results In comparison to active individuals who were normal weight at the examination and 10 years prior, only those who were inactive and overweight at the examination and 10 years prior had a worse HRQOL; β = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.20–1.63; p = 0.01). Conclusions Among individuals who have been overweight/obese for longer durations, physical activity may help to improve HRQOL.