Subgroup characteristics.

BackgroundObesity, particularly visceral adiposity, is associated with metabolic disorders and musculoskeletal deterioration. While physical activity (PA) benefits metabolic health, its dose-response effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass in visceral obesity remain unclear.ObjectiveThis study investigated associations between PA levels and musculoskeletal outcomes in visceral obesity, considering metabolic heterogeneity.MethodsUtilizing data from 3,077 visceral obesity participants (NHANES 2011–2018), PA levels were categorized as inactive (0 min/week), low- (1–150), moderate- (150–300), and high-active (>300). Weighted linear regression and restricted cubic splines analyzed associations, adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on metabolic clusters, which were defined using k-means clustering according to blood pressure, visceral adiposity index, and HbA1c levels.ResultsHigh-active PA correlated with increased lumbar BMD (β = 0.239, 95%CI:0.055–0.424, P = 0.012), showing nonlinear saturation effects. Muscle mass improved dose-dependently with moderate-active (β: 0.021; 95%CI: 0.007–0.035; P = 0.005) and high-active (β:0.032; 95%CI: 0.018–0.046; P ConclusionsBone adaptations require high-intensity PA thresholds, whereas muscle mass responds linearly to PA dose. Metabolic status modulates both relationships. Integrating metabolic optimization into exercise strategies is critical for improving musculoskeletal health in visceral obesity.