Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal

Background & Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical activity and dietary patterns of males in Arak, Iran and determine the

relationship of these two variables with obesity and general health.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 males (aged 20-70 years) were employed using cluster-random sampling and the data were collected

through urban blocking and household visiting. Physical activity, dietary patterns,

and general health were assessed using Baekce Physical Activity Questionnaire

(BQ), Adami and Cordera's nutrition questionnaire, and General Health questionnaire

(GHQ), respectively. In addition, to determine the prevalence of obesity, the

Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The values between 25-29.9 kg/m2 were

considered as overweight and the values of 30 kg/m2 or higher were regarded as

obese.

Results: The results showed that 51-70 year-olds had the lowest physical activity

and the highest BMI, compared to other age groups. There was a positive correlation

between physical activity, dietary patterns, and general health (p<0.05).

The prevalence of overweight and obesity were found to be 21.05% and 9.02%,

respectively, which had a positive correlation with age and a negative correlation

with physical activity (p>0.05). The obese category had the lowest physical activity.

There was a significant relationship between the dietary patterns of different

BMI categories (p≥0.05); however, no significant relationship was observed between

the dietary habits of different BMI categories.

Conclusion: It was found that low amount of physical activity and unhealthy dietary

patterns and habits increased weight and obesity and reduced general health.

Therefore, proper planning is needed for lifestyle modification in order to increase

the physical activity and improve nutritional status.