Health-related quality of life, BMI and physical activity among US adults (≥18 years): National physical activity and weight loss survey, 2002

Objective: To examine the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical activity (PA). Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained via a national telephone survey from 9173 respondents (30.9% response rate; 51.4% cooperation rate). Four indicators of HRQOL were measured: self-rated health, physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days and activity limitation days. Prevalence estimates were calculated by body mass index (BMI) category and PA level. Logistic regression evaluated BMI as an effect modifier of the relationship between HRQOL and PA. Results: Inactive adults reported more fair to poor HRQOL than active adults, regardless of BMI category (P<0.001). BMI did not modify the association between PA and any of the four HRQOL indicators. Conclusion: Prevalence of low HRQOL is inversely related to PA participation, and the relationship is not altered by BMI status. Regardless of their weight status, adults should be encouraged to engage in PA.