Neck circumference as a discriminator of obesity in older women enrolled in a physical activity program

<div><p>Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate neck circumference (NC) as a discriminator of overweight and obesity and to establish cut-off points for physically active older women. The sample consisted of 170 older women (69.5 ± 6.8 years) practicing physical activity. Anthropometric measures (body weight, height, waist circumference – WC, and NC) were obtained and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed and ROC curves were constructed. NC was significantly correlated with BMI (rho = 0.656; p<0.0001) and WC (r = 0.561; p<0.0001). Correlating BMI with NC, areas under the ROC curve of 0.819 (p=0.0001) for overweight and of 0.902 (p=0.0001) for obesity were obtained, with suggested cut-off points of 33.07 and 34.05 cm, respectively. Correlating WC with NC, areas under the ROC curve of 0.711 (p=0.0014) for moderate risk (WC) and of 0.864 (p=0.0001) for high risk were obtained, with suggested cut-off points of 32.15 and 34.15 cm, respectively. NC was associated with BMI and WC. An NC ≥ 34 cm was a risk factor for obesity and abnormal body fat distribution in the older women studied. This anthropometric parameter is an alternative to discriminate overweight and obesity in physically active older women.</p></div

ACTIVE COMMUTING TO SCHOOL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

<div><p>ABSTRACT Physical inactivity, considered a worldwide public health problem, has become a common behavior among adolescents. This systematic review aimed to examine the scientific evidence analyzing commuting to school in adolescents and its association with sociodemographic factors, body composition, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Articles were selected through the literature available in electronic databases (Medline, Cinahl and Web of Science). Twenty three observational studies, with samples composed of adolescents (10-19 years), all published in english language, from 2003 to 2014, were included. The majority of investigations had as main focus the active commuting and the highest prevalence of this outcome were found among boys, younger adolescents, those from lower income families and whose mothers had lower educational level. Adolescents with a healthier body composition and those with higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were the most active in commuting from home to school. Despite the association between active commuting to school and better health conditions, it is necessary to encourage it among adolescents of better economic conditions, females and the older ones.</p></div