Research Article
Issue Date: September/October 2016
Published Online: July 27, 2016
Updated: April 30, 2020
Relationship Between Physical Activity and Overweight and Obesity in Children: Findings From the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey
Ickpyo Hong; Patty Coker-Bolt; Kelly R. Anderson; Danbi Lee; Craig A. Velozo
Author Affiliations
  • Ickpyo Hong, MS, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate, Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
  • Patty Coker-Bolt, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
  • Kelly R. Anderson, MS, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate, Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
  • Danbi Lee, OTD, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Craig A. Velozo, PhD, OTR/L, is Division Director and Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; velozo@musc.edu
Article Information
Obesity / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Special Issue: Research Articles
Research Article   |   July 27, 2016
Relationship Between Physical Activity and Overweight and Obesity in Children: Findings From the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005180060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.021212
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005180060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.021212
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study examined the relationship between childhood obesity and overweight and functional activity and its enjoyment.

METHOD. A cross-sectional design was used to analyze data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS. Data for 1,640 children ages 3–15 yr were retrieved. Physical activity was negatively associated with risk of obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.87, 0.98]). Although children who were obese and overweight were more likely to have functional limitations (ORs = 1.58–1.61), their enjoyment of physical activity participation was not significantly different from that of the healthy-weight group.

CONCLUSION. Physical activity lowered the risk of obesity. Children who were obese had functional limitations compared with healthy-weight children, but both groups enjoyed physical activity equally. Future studies are needed to determine barriers to participation among these children in recreation and sporting activities.