Association between energy intake under‐reporting and previous professional nutritional counselling in low‐income women with obesity: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

AbstractIt is unclear if individuals who have previously been counselled by nutrition professionals are more prone to subsequently under‐report their energy intake. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between energy intake under‐reporting and previous professional nutritional counselling for weight control in low‐income women with obesity. This is a cross‐sectional study. Adult women (19–44 years old in Brazil) with obesity, living in a household classified as the lowest economic strata, were included. Energy intake (EI) was identified using 24‐h food records (for three non‐consecutive days, including a weekend day. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed using indirect calorimetry and triaxial accelerometers. Individuals with EI:TEE ratio below 0.65 were considered as under‐reporters. Participants were also asked if they had been previously counselled by a nutrition professional for their obesity treatment. Association was calculated using a multivariable model, adjusted for age, bodyweight, height, education and body fat. The sample consisted of 58 women, with a mean age of 33 years and a body mass index of 32.51 kg/m2. Among total participants, 20 (34.5%) women had undergone previous professional nutritional counselling, and 21 (36.2%) under‐reported their EI. Women who had already had some counselling with a nutrition professional had a higher adjusted prevalence of under‐reporting their EI [adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.58; 95% CI (1.27; 5.25), p = 0.008]. Low‐income women with obesity who had undergone previous professional nutritional counselling for weight loss showed a higher prevalence of under‐reporting their EI.