Differences in Correlates of Energy Balance in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study compared normal weight, overweight and obese adults on energy expenditure (EE), energy intake (EI) and diet quality.METHODS. The analysis included data from 430 adults (27±4 years; 49% male) who were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese based on BMI. Body weight and height was measured according to standard procedures and percent body fat was determined based on dual x‐ray absorptiometry. EE was assessed via the SenseWear Armband® over a period of 10 days. EI and diet quality were calculated from multiple 24‐hour recalls.RESULTS. %BF increased with increased BMI (p<.001). Weight adjusted EI and total daily EE were significantly lower in overweight and obese adults compared to their normal weight peers (p<.001) and obese women had a lower diet quality (p=.006). Overweight and obese adults had a higher proportion of EE in sedentary and in light PA (p<.001), while the proportion of EE in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) was lower compared to their normal weight peers (p<.001). The inverse relationship between BMI or %BF and EE in MVPA was stronger than the positive association between BMI or %BF and EE in sedentary or light PA (rMVPA= ‐.51 to ‐.66 vs. rSedentary= .33 to .52 / rlight= .36 to .47; p<.001).CONCLUSIONSThese findings emphasize that MVPA is an important determinant in weight management.Funding for this project was provided through an unrestricted grant from The Coca‐Cola Company.