Work

Association between an active lifestyle and reduced incidence of obesity-related cancers in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra cohort

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To assess whether physical activity, sedentary behavior, and an active lifestyle score, combining physical activity and sedentary behavior, are associated with developing obesity-related cancers (ORCs). From 1999 through 2022, a cohort of Spanish university graduates was followed using biennial questionnaires collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and lifestyle factors. We used a previously validated questionnaire to assess physical and sedentary activities (television watching+sitting time), from which we estimated an eight-item active lifestyle score. Cancer incidence was confirmed with medical records and the National Death Index. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with Cox regression models. Higher adherence to the active lifestyle score nearly halved the risk of ORCs (HR high vs. low 0.45 (95 %CI 0.27–0.73)). The HR in quartile four (Q4) of leisure-time physical activity was 0.54 (95 %CI 0.37–0.80) compared to Q1. The HR per +1-point increase in the score was 0.88 (95 %CI 0.81–0.95). No significant association was observed between television watching and ORCs risk. A higher active lifestyle score was associated with a decreased risk of ORCs. These findings may aid public health organizations in refining recommendations in ORC prevention to include interventions focused on combining increased physical activity and lowered sedentary behavior. • A novel active lifestyle score composed of physical activity and sedentary behavior. • Sedentary behavior considered television watching and sitting time. • Physical activity considered exercise intensity, walking speed/time, stairs climbed. • Score more predictive of obesity-related cancer incidence than separate components. • A high score was associated with reduced obesity-related cancer incidence.

Source: Preventive Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2025.108386