Background and objective: Physical activity (PA) is considered an important approach to prevent and treat obesity and hyperuricemia. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of PA intensity and aerobic fitness on anthropometric indices and serum uric acid in obese individuals.
Methods: PA was examined using a single-axial accelerometer and aerobic fitness was assessed by electric cycle ergometry in obese middle-aged men (n=71, 47.2 ± 4.4 years). PA was defined as light (<3 metabolic equivalents [METs]), moderate (3.0-6.0 METs) or vigorous (>6.0 METs) intensity from the corresponding METs multiplied by time spent at the corresponding intensity levels. Serum uric acid was measured by the uricase peroxidase method.
Results: The association between aerobic fitness index (lactate threshold) and serum uric acid did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for potential confounding factors (age, body mass index [BMI], and alcohol consumption) (β=-0.110, p=0.138). Light intensity PA was inversely associated with BMI and waist circumference, even after adjustment for age and alcohol consumption (BMI: β=-0.543, p=0.023; waist circumference: β=-1.333, p=0.016). Moderate intensity PA, but not light or vigorous intensity PA, was inversely correlated with the uric acid level and this remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, and alcohol consumption (β=-0.222, p=0.036).
Conclusion: Our results suggest that light intensity PA may have an important role in weight control while moderate intensity PA may be associated with the lower uric acid concentrations in obese individuals.