Associations of Sedentary Behavior With Total and Central Adiposity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with total adiposity, a key cardiometabolic risk factor; however, evidence using indices reflecting body fat distribution remains limited in older adults. Additionally, associations between SB and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are also inconsistent. This study evaluated associations of objectively measured SB with total and central adiposity, and context-specific SB with HRQOL in older adults. METHODS: SB and physical activity were measured via accelerometry and survey from 40 adults ≥60 years old. Adiposity was assessed using body fat percentage (BOD POD), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body roundness index (BRI). HRQOL was assessed using validated surveys. Associations were examined using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: SB was positively associated with body fat percentage (β = 0.42, p < .05), WC (β = 0.38, p < .01), WHtR (β = 0.43, p < .01), and BRI (β = 0.44, p < .01), controlling for sex. After adjusting for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, associations remained significant for WC (β = 0.29, p < .05), WHtR (β = 0.32, p < .05), and BRI (β = 0.34, p < .05). These associations were attenuated to nonsignificance after further adjustment for light-intensity physical activity (p > .05). SB was not associated with physical or mental HRQOL (p < .05). CONCLUSION: SB is associated with various indices of total and central adiposity in older adults. Significance/Implications: Reducing SB and increasing light-intensity physical activity, alongside moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, may be important targets for minimizing obesity risk in older adults.