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

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.