Effect of Age and Gender on Body Shape and Physical Activity

Abstract

Research Question: What is the effect of ageing on body shape and physical activity between men and women?

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to study the different body shapes as well as activity levels against gender and age. The research value highlights the importance of Physical performance in maintaining a good shape and a good health especially for older people.

Method: A total quantitative meta-analysis was conducted on a pool of Lebanese adults (N=514), their body shapes were assessed individually and questions related to their weekly physical activity were analyzed accordingly. One-way Anova, Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Walis tests were performed to seek the correlation and significance between the variables.

Results: Younger adults, in particular women, have a better body shape and BMI. Ageing has a direct impact on weight gain and in particular on abdominal fat deposit which enhance the apple shape. Older people have less activity level which is more perceived among women.

Organization: The study points on the importance to consider the body shape when assessing the health level in order to reduce health cost through preventive methods.

Society: Abdominal fat, which encourage the apple shape, has a negative impact on health and hide economic cost directly and indirectly. Prevention is highly recommended through exercise and a diet therapy to reduce the risk of associated problems and increase the life-span in general.

Originality: The impact of the study concerns the Lebanese society and reflects a part of their lifestyle and explains some questions regarding their health status.

Limitations / further research: The sample is randomly selected from Lebanese adults (age above 19 years old) for both genders. Pregnant and lactating women are not considered in the sample. Further research, including other cultures and regions is recommended, to make comparative analysis with the results.