Abdominal Obesity is Associated with Physical Activity Index in Indonesian Middle-Aged Adult Rural Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the significant health problems. Physical activity includes a potential modifier in the development of abdominal obesity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to analyze the association between physical activity and abdominal obesity in middle-aged adults in the Indonesian rural population. METHODS: A community-based study was conducted in a rural area of Malang, Indonesia. Data were collected using interviews to obtain sociodemographic and physical activity index (PAI). Waist circumference was measured using a tape measure. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 75 adults (62.7% were female) was included in this study. Mean waist circumference was 88.18 ± 9.21 cm. Total prevalence of abdominal obesity was 69.3%. Among the total of participants, 29.3% were inactive. A significant association was found between physical activity and abdominal obesity. Participants with inactive PAI have a higher risk of suffering from abdominal obesity than those with active PAI with odds ratio = 7.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.55–31.99. CONCLUSION: In middle-aged adults living in a rural area of Indonesia, physical activity was associated with a lower risk of abdominal obesity. Strategies for preventing and reducing abdominal obesity in rural areas should consider improving physical activity.