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Open Access 08-09-2022 | Obesity | Original Article

Active commuting associations with BMI and self-rated health: a cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Ireland survey

Authors: A. M. Masterson, C. M. Phillips

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Aim

Active travel is advised to help meet recommended weekly physical activity levels. However limited research has examined active travel associations with health indicators. The aim of this study is to investigate active commuting associations with BMI and self-rated health (SRH) using data from the Healthy Ireland Survey.

Subjects and methods

Cross-sectional analysis of data was conducted from a nationally representative study of the Irish population. Participants who worked or attended education (n = 4038) provided information regarding their most common travel mode to work or education and demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics during an interview. Following comparative analysis, multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between active commuting modes and overweight, obesity and SRH.

Results

Active commuting was associated with decreased likelihood of obesity (AOR 0.69, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.90) relative to non-active commuting. Examination of active commuting mode revealed further reduced obesity risk among cyclists (AOR 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.56) relative to non-cyclists and among those actively travelling ≥3 km (AOR 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.98). No associations between active commuting and overweight or SRH were observed.

Conclusion

Our findings, which indicate an inverse association between active commuting and obesity, represent a significant contribution to the evidence base supporting promotion of active travel for obesity prevention.

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Title: Active commuting associations with BMI and self-rated health: a cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Ireland survey
Authors: A. M. Masterson
C. M. Phillips
Publication date: 08-09-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Overweight
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01752-w

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Springer Medicine

Active commuting associations with BMI and self-rated health: a cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Ireland survey

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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