Physical Activity Trends among Mexican Men, Women and Pregnant or Postpartum Women 2006-2022

Background: Regular physical activity plays a significant role in disease prevention and mental well-being. However, women and pregnant women are generally less active than men.

Purpose: To examine the physical activity prevalence and temporal trends among men, non-pregnant, and pregnant/postpartum women in Mexico from 2006 to 2022.

Methods: Adult data (20-65 years; n= 98,230) from 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2022 of the National Health and Nutrition Surveys (ENSANUT) were compiled and analyzed. Physical activity was assessed using the IPAQ short form. Sociodemographic characteristics and pregnant/postpartum status were determined through a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression models were fitted to estimate physical activity prevalence and trends.

Results: The adjusted prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines decreased from 2006 to 2022 among men (n=42,129; 87.2-82.0%, p-trend<0.001), non-pregnant (n=54,166; 86.6-78.9%, p-trend<0.001), and pregnant/postpartum women (n=1,935, 80.7-66.9%, p-trend=0.183). The prevalence was consistently lower among pregnant/postpartum women compared to men and non-pregnant women across all survey years, and among non-pregnant women compared to men in 2018 (all p-values<0.05). Among men, there were downward trends in minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between 2006-2012 (p<0.001) with no significant differences afterwards (p=0.303). Among non-pregnant and pregnant/postpartum women, downward trends were observed between 2006-2012 and 2012-2018 (all p-values <0.001), followed by upward trends between 2018-2022 (all p-values<0.05). Regional analyses showed that the 2018-2022 upward trend was significant for all woman across three of the nine regions of Mexico, with the largest increases observed in Mexico City and the central region.

Conclusion: Despite recent increasing physical activity levels among women, gender disparities in Mexico persist, particularly among pregnant/postpartum women.

Practical Implications: Tailored interventions with a gender-focused approach are urgently needed to enhance physical activity levels in Mexico, particularly among women and during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Funding: ENSANUT is funded by the Mexican Ministry of Health.