Association between different modes of travelling and adiposity in Chilean population: findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017

Medina, I., Petermann-Rocha, F., Waddell, H., Díaz-Martínez, X., Matus-Castillo, C., Cigarroa, I., Concha-Cisternas, Y., Salas-Bravo, C., Martínez-Sanguinetti, M. A. and Celis-Morales, C. (2020) Association between different modes of travelling and adiposity in Chilean population: findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3731. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103731) (PMID:32466197) (PMCID:PMC7277509)

Abstract

Background: Active travel has been suggested as a feasible way of increasing physical activity levels. Although international studies have demonstrated its effect over different health outcomes and adiposity, there is still limited evidence on this topic in developing countries, such as Chile. Aim: To investigate the associations between different types of travelling and markers of obesity in the Chilean adult population. Methods: 5411 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017 (CNHS) were included in this study. Active travel was assessed using a questionnaire. Car commuters, public transport (PT), walking and cycling were the four forms of travelling assessed. Bodyweight, body mass index and waist circumference were used as markers of adiposity. Results: Compared to car travellers, body weight, WC and BMI levels were lower for PT walking and cycling travellers. The odds for obesity (Odds ratio (OR): 0.41 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.61 p ≤ 0.001) were lower for walking and the odds (OR: 0.56 (95%CI: 0.35; 0.89 p = 0.014) for central obesity were significantly lower for cyclist in comparison to car travellers. Additionally, participation in any form of active travel (walking or cycling) was low, with only 20.9% of the population reporting being active travellers. Conclusion: Active travel, such as walking and cycling, was associated with lower adiposity levels in the Chilean adult population. Promoting active travel could be a feasible strategy to tackle the high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in the Chilean population.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was funded by the Chilean Health Ministry as part of the second health surveillance in Chile.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Celis, Dr Carlos and Waddell, Miss Heather and Petermann-Rocha, Mrs Fanny
• Authors: Medina, I., Petermann-Rocha, F., Waddell, H., Díaz-Martínez, X., Matus-Castillo, C., Cigarroa, I., Concha-Cisternas, Y., Salas-Bravo, C., Martínez-Sanguinetti, M. A., and Celis-Morales, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-7827
• ISSN (Online): 1660-4601
• Published Online: 25 May 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17(10): 3731
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License