Physical activity level, waist circumference, and mortality.

This study predicted all-cause mortality based on physical activity level (active or inactive) and waist circumference (WC) in 8208 Canadian adults in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, surveyed between 1986-1995 and followed through 2004. Physically inactive adults had higher mortality risk than active adults overall (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 1.05-1.37) and within the low WC category (1.51, 1.19-1.92). Detrimental effects of physical inactivity and high WC demonstrate the need for physical activity promotion.