Abstract
Age related changes in body composition are associated with long term dietary intake profiles. Age related increase in body fat is primarily attributed to decline in physical activity and basal metabolic rate as well as dietary intake. The study was designed to assess the body composition, dietary intake and physical activity level of sedentary adult women of different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 sedentary adult women comprised of students and faculty from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The relationship of body composition with dietary factors and physical activity level of women in four age groups i.e. 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 and 51 - 60 years was determined. A gradual increase (p ≤ 0.05) in anthropometric and body composition parameters such as weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index, fat mass and visceral fat rating was observed with the advancement of age. The lean body mass was decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) as the age progressed, the values for four age groups being 74.9, 68.9, 62.8 and 60.9%, respectively. Contrary to this fat mass increased with age, the corresponding values for four age groups being 15.7, 21.4, 26.6 and 29.2 kg, respectively. The percent adequacy of protein by four age groups was 69.6, 78.2, 80.0 and 66.3, respectively when compared to RDA while fat intake was much higher i.e. 245.5, 271.8, 288.4 and 250.8%, respectively. The energy intake was inadequate among all age groups, however, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) differ- ence was observed in daily energy consumption between the age groups. The mean physical activity level (PAL) of the subjects ranged between 1.49 - 1.60. The physical activity level values showed that majority of the subjects (87% - 94%) were having sedentary life style. Age is a crucial factor associated with body composition. A high fat mass and low lean body mass of the subjects was observed. Their diets were low in protein but high in fat. Majority of the subjects from different age groups had sedentary life style. A diet with higher protein and lesser fat combined with exercise can help in sustaining optimum body composition.
Highlights
The recent worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity complicates the relationship between weight change, muscle mass and decreasing strength with age
The energy intake was inadequate among all age groups, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference was observed in daily energy consumption between the age groups
Multivariate analysis suggested that the association between lean mass and fat mass was attributed to hereditary, dietary factors and physical activity levels [1]
Summary
The recent worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity complicates the relationship between weight change, muscle mass and decreasing strength with age. A growing number of urban women aged above 35 years with gradual slowing down of metabolic rate are falling victim to sedentary life styles, rich food, lack of exercise and diets with increased protein and reduced carbohydrates have been shown to improve body composition, lipid and lipoprotein profiles and glycemic regulations associated with treatment of obesity and weight loss [6]. Derived from these outcomes, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are being examined for treatment of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes [7]. The present study is aimed at understand the role of dietary factors and physical activity levels to alter the body composition of working women especially in terms of lean body mass and fat mass
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
