Physical activity patterns associated with weight-control status: Differences by race and sex

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a major role in maintaining energy balance. We examined the patterns of occupational activity, strength training, and lifestyle PA (low, medium, high) by sex and race among persons trying to control their weight (lose weight, stay about the same, not trying to lose/not trying to stay about the same). Methods: Population data (N = 9258) from, a nationwide telephone survey were collected to examine PA. patterns. Domains of PA were analyzed by sex and race. Results: Of those trying to control their weight, approximately 24.0% engaged, in strengthening activities 2 to 3 d/wk. Among those trying to lose weight, 48.2% versus 42.2% of men (White and non-White, respectively) and 40.4% versus 35.1% of women (White and non-White, respectively) reported high volumes of PA. Conclusions: PA patterns among persons trying to control their weight vary by sex and race. Adults trying to control their weight are encouraged to increase levels of PA.