The association between vigorous physical activities and fat deposition in male adolescents

DIONNE, I., N. ALMÉRAS, C. BOUCHARD, and A. TREMBLAY. The association between vigorous physical activities and fat deposition in male adolescents. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 392–395, 2000. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between participation in vigorous physical activities (VPA) and indicators of adiposity and fat distribution in male adolescents. Methods: Subjects were classified on the basis of the number of reported 15-min periods over 3 d during which VPA were performed. Results: Body weight, fat mass, body mass index, sum of six subcutaneous skinfolds, trunk and extremity skinfolds, and trunk to extremity skinfolds ratio (T/E ratio) were all significantly and inversely related to a higher VPA participation. Moreover, T/E ratio was significantly lower in the subgroup reporting a mean of 7.8 15-min periods of activity for 3 d (equivalent to a mean of 39 min·d−1) compared with subjects reporting no participation. This decrease in T/E ratio was more pronounced in subjects reporting a mean of 13.6 15-min periods of VPA for 3 d. Conclusion: These observations reinforce the idea that excess abdominal fat accumulation can be prevented by regular participation in vigorous physical activities.