Associations of active travel with adiposity among children and socioeconomic differentials: a longitudinal study

Objectives Examine longitudinal associations between modes of travel to school and adiposity. Setting The UK. Participants 8432 children surveyed at ages 7, 11 14 years from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Primary secondary outcomes Objective percentage body fat mass index (BMI). Transport mode was categorised as private motorised transport, public transport active (walking or cycling). Socioeconomic position (SEP) measured by household income group occupational social class. We adjusted analyses for changes in country UK, frequency eating breakfast, self-reported growth spurts, hours screen time days per week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Longitudinal (panel) regression models adjusting individual fixed effects examined adiposity, controlling both time-varying time-invariant potential confounders. Interaction tests stratified investigated differences markers SEP. Results At age years, 26.1% (2198) reported using 35.3% (2979) used 38.6% (3255) get school. 36.6% (3083) changed two times three waves 50.7% (4279) once. Compared with continuing use switching associated a lower BMI (−0.21 kg/m 2 , 95% CI −0.31 −0.10) (−0.55%, −0.80% −0.31%). Switching (−0.43%, −0.75% −0.12%), but did not reach statistical significance (−0.13 −0.26 0.01). showed trend these be stronger more deprived groups, interactions significance. Conclusion This study during key life course period found physically forms can have beneficial adiposity impacts; may apparent disadvantaged children. Increasing has ameliorate inequalities.