To date, most studies investigating postural control in
the obese have employed cross-sectional study designs and
have not considered the potentially confounding effects of
physical activity. Physical activity status has been shown to
have a profound influence on balance performance in
adults (42), and as such may obfuscate the effect of obesity
on postural control. Given the association between obesity
and physical inactivity (43–46), it is unclear whether the
additional mass associated with obesity results in reduced
postural stability, or alternately, whether the greater adiposity
of the obese is the consequence of postural instability
and reduced activity. There is also limited information
regarding the regulation of mediolateral balance in adult
obesity, despite its considerable importance to dynamic
activities such as gait. Given that epidemiological research
has indicated a potential link between obesity and risk of
falling (47), further research employing a longitudinal
study design in conjunction with measures of physical
activity may provide greater insight into the effects of obesity
on postural balance in adults