Occupational and leisure time physical inactivity and the risk of type II diabetes and hypertension among Mexican adults: A prospective cohort study

There is a lack of longitudinal data linking physical inactivity and chronic diseases among Mexicans. Objective. To examine the relationship between total, leisure and occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and incidence of type II diabetes (T2D) and hypertension in the Mexico City Diabetes Study. Study design and population. A prospective cohort study was conducted from 1989 to 2009 among 2282 men and non-pregnant women residing in six low-income neighborhoods in Mexico City. Main outcome. Incidence of T2D and hypertension. Results. After controlling for confounders, <1 MET/min/week of MVPA during leisure time was associated with higher risk of hypertension (HR 1.29, CI 95% 1.01, 1.66) and T2D (HR 1.31 CI 95% 1.00, 1.74). In addition, accumulating <1 MET/min/week of occupational MVPA was associated with higher risk of hypertension (HR 1.47, CI 95% 1.13, 1.90). Conclusion. The absence of leisure and occupational MVPA was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, no associations were found between occupational MVPA and T2D.