[Relationship between the number of steps taken and body mass index for male workers in the metropolitan area].

The present study examined the relationship between number of steps and body mass index (BMI) among male workers in the metropolitan area. The number of subjects were 310 (aged 30-59) and they were studied for seven consecutive days. The number of steps was measured by a pedometer. Energy expenditure was assessed by the activity record method. Energy intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Height and body weight were examined by a self-administered questionnaire. BMI of 81 subjects (26.1%) was greater than 25 kg/m2. The number of steps was 10,682 +/- 4,365 on working days, and 7,135 +/- 4,536 on holidays. Average energy expenditure in seven days was 2,259 +/- 378 kcal/d. The physical activity level (PAL) was 1.5 +/- 0.1. There was a significant correlation between BMI and the number of steps in a working day (r=-0.188, p<0.01). In addition, there were significant correlations between PAL and daily steps on working days (r=0.301, p<0.001), and on holidays (r=0.296, p<0.001). Subjects were divided into four groups according to the median number of steps on working days and energy intake (I; > or =9,894 steps, <1,901 kcal, II; > or =9,894 steps, > or =1,901 kcal, III; <9,894 steps, <1,901 kcal, IV; <9,894 steps, > or =1,901 kcal). BMI of Group IV (24.7 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that of the other Groups. Group III had the highest proportion of subjects (15.7%) with lifestyle related diseases.