Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting.

Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+ 1.2 kg, p = 0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+ 15.2 kg) and weight-loss (- 10.8 kg) groups (p ≤ 0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min week-1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m-2) met the 420 min week-1 guideline (p < 0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m-2) approached 15,000 steps day-1. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.