Authors: O. Onabanjo Oluseye , R. Aderibigbe Olaide , A. Agbon Chineze, B. Clara Oguntona
International Journal of Tropical Medicine
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Engaging in regular Physical Activity (PA) has been reported to avert or slow down processes leading to the development of
CVDs. This study cross-sectionally examined the effect of different levels of PA on lipid profile of workers in two tertiary institutions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. About 375 apparently healthy workers (147 males and 228 females) were included in the analysis. A validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle and PA information. Based on the information collected, participants were categorized into intense, medium and low PA group. Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and Triglycerides (TG) were analyzed using standard procedures. Men in the intense PA group had a significantly (p<0.05) lower TC and LDL-C and a higher HDL-C than those in the low PA group. LDL-C was significantly lower (p<0.05) in women in the intense PA group compared to those in the low PA group. The beneficial effect of regular PA in lowering blood lipid of sedentary workers is confirmed.