Participation in sports/recreational activities and incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in adults

Evidence of prospective associations between participation in sports and recreational activities (SRAs) and health outcomes at the population level is scarce. We investigated the associations between participation in SRAs and 6-year incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in a cohort of mid-age Australian adults. We analyzed data from the HABITAT study (n = 8784), a cohort of adults aged 40+ years living in Brisbane, Australia. Mail surveys in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013 were used to collect data on participation in 11 SRAs in the past 12 months, as well as self-reported hypertension, diabetes, height, and weight. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m². Logistic generalized estimating equation models with a 2-year lag were used. Participation in SRAs in 2007, 2009, and 2011 was matched with outcomes measured in 2009, 2011, and 2013. From 2007 to 2013, the cumulative incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity was 14.9%, 3.2%, and 11%, respectively. Running, tennis, team sports, exercise classes, and resistance training were associated with reduced odds of hypertension. Running, cycling, resistance training, and yoga/tai chi were associated with reduced odds of diabetes. Cycling, tennis, home-based exercises, resistance training, and yoga/tai chi were associated with lower odds of obesity. Participation in SRAs was associated with lower incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in mid-age adults over six years. These findings support current efforts to promote wider and continuing participation in SRAs at this life stage.