Relationship Between Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Different Body Composition Measures in a Working Population

OBJECTIVE: With respect to the overweight epidemic, this study aimed to investigate the association between domain-specific physical activity and body composition measures in Swiss male employees. METHODS: A total of 192 healthy male adults in full-time employment were investigated. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index was calculated. Relative fat mass and relative muscle mass were determined by bioelectric impedance analysis. Physical activity was assessed by the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: In multiple linear regressions, leisure-time activity showed an inverse association with waist circumference and relative fat mass and a positive correlation with relative muscle mass. Work activity was positively related to waist circumference and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that leisure-time activity may be the most effective physical activity domain for body composition. Work activity does not seem to be protective against overweight.