Physical activity and its association with other lifestyle factors

The association of several lifestyle factors with leisure-time physical activity was examined from 1990 to 1991 in a representative sample of 2623 men and 2688 women, ages 25–69, in Germany. Active persons during leisure time were less likely to live in small villages, to smoke and generally had a lower body mass index as compared to sedentary. Men and women with high socioeconomic status were, respectively, four and three times more likely to have an active leisure time than those with low socioeconomic status. After adjustment for age, body mass index, urbanization, socioeconomic status, smoking and average monthly temperature, they less often felt the need to sleep early, consumed more often fruit, salad, whole grain bread and vitamin supplements, less often white bread and meat and a higher amount of fluids as compared to sedentary persons. They were more likely to be single and to eat breakfast regularly. Higher levels of leisure-time physical activity were associated with a general healthier lifestyle.