Comparison of Nutritional Behaviors and Physical Activities between Overweight/Obese and Normal-Weight Adults

Introduction: Overweight/obesity are major problems with increasing rates among adult population. Nutritional behaviors and physical activity are the most important influencing factors. In this article, we assessed these 2 factors in normal and overweight/obese adults.Materials & Methods: 729 middle-aged adults were enrolled in the study. Data regarding desirable or undesirable use of fruits, fish, dairy products, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and the intensity and duration of physical activities were collected from our data bank and analyzed using the SPSS 16 software (χ2 and multiple logistic regression).Results: Our results indicated that overweight/obese people had an improper usage of fruits, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and had lower physical activity. There was also a significant increase in intensity, duration per day, and weekly days of physical activity in healthy groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that undesirable usage of oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and undesirable physical activity are associated with risks for overweight/obesity (odds ratio=10.70, 7.45, 7.48, and 2.16, respectively, P < 0.05).Conclusion: This article puts emphasis on the role of proper nutritional behaviors and higher physical activities in decreasing the risks of developing obesity.