ABSTRACT
The article aims to analyze the association between Leisure Time Physical Activity and health variables in Brazilian capitals. Data from the National Surveillance System for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey, regarding the year 2013, were analyzed in a sample of 54,000 adults in Brazilian capitals. The Prevalence Ratios were adjusted according to age, gender and education by Poisson regression with their 95% Confidence Intervals. The prevalence of Leisure Time Physical Activity was 33.8% (95% CI: 33.0-34.6), being higher among men 41.2% (95% CI: 39.9-42, 6) than among women 27.4% (95% CI: 26.5-28.3). Being younger, more educated, of white color, having a health insurance, not smoking, and consuming the recommended fruit and vegetables increased the chance of practicing Leisure Time Physical Activity. It was also observed that the eutrophic and the overweight are more active, the obese practice less Physical Activity. It is concluded that Physical Activity is beneficial to health, making it important to invest in public health promotion policies aimed at creating opportunities for social inclusion and equity in health.
KEYWORDS
Exercise; Leisure activities; Disease prevention; Noncommunicable Diseases; Health promotion