ABSTRACT

This study assessed the physical activity and weight status (BMI) of adults in rural communities of lkwuano LGA, Abia state. This cross sectional study used a simple random sampling technique to select 429 adult from selected communities in the LGA. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect information on socio demographic characteristics and GPAQ was used  to assess the physical activity of the participants, while anthropometry was assessed using standard procedures. Descriptive (mean, standard deviation, frequencies), correlation statistics were used to analyse the data collected. A p- value of less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results revealed that 15.5% and 23.5% were obese and overweight, respectively. Majority (71.8%) of the participants were physically inactive and did not meet WHO recommendation of physical activity (≥600 minute/week). There was no significant positive correlation between the physical activity met and weight status (BMI) of the participants (r= -0.030; p< 0.05). The amount of activity that people undertake as part of their daily life is decreasing and participation in leisure time activity is therefore necessary to ensure that the recommended levels of physical activity are met