Changes in body weight and markers of health following short‐term vacations (811.14)

Abstract

Longitudinal studies among U.S. adults show that average weight gain is 1kg per year. Recent studies have shown that short periods of time, such as the holiday season, can account for a significant portion of the average yearly weight gain. Objective: (1) to determine if a 1‐3 week vacation will alter body weight and chronic disease risk factors, and (2) to determine if any changes in weight or chronic disease risk factors persist 6 weeks after the vacation. Methods: Seventy‐three adults (31 males, 42 females; age 34±13.6 years) we went on a vacation lasting 1‐3 weeks were recruited. Baseline measurements (visit 1) within 1 week of vacation included height, weight, body composition, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure. Subjects also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress scale. All baseline measurements were repeated within 1 week after the vacation (visit 2) and again 5 weeks after visit 2 (visit 3). Results: There was a significant increase in body weight from visit 1 to visit 2 (76.3±1.9kg to 78.6±2.1kg, p<0.05); however, body weight returned to baseline by visit 3 (76.6±1.8kg). There was a trend for an increase in body fat percentage from visit 1 to visit 2 (25.9±1.0% to 26.4±0.9%, p=0.10) which persisted at visit 3 (26.3±0.8%). No changes in waist or hip circumference or blood pressure were found. Physical activity was highest prior to vacations, trended for a decrease at visit 2 (p=0.09), and had significantly decreased by visit 3 (p=0.02). Finally, perceived stress was highest prior to the vacation but had decreased by visit 3 (p<0.01). Conclusions: Short‐term vacations resulted in significant weight gain (2.3±1.3kg) and decreased physical activity. Body weight returned to baseline levels by 6 weeks post‐vacation. No other changes in health markers were found.