Low energy reporting by adults in What We Eat In America, NHANES 2003‐2006

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM), a 5‐step method for collecting 24‐hour dietary recalls, was recently validated in a large doubly labeled water study and shown to be effective for collecting accurate group energy intake of adults. Since the AMPM is used to collect dietary intakes in What We Eat In America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the objective of this research is to assess energy reporting accuracy in this nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. NHANES data were merged for the periods 2003‐2004 and 2005‐2006 and included men (n=4239) and non‐pregnant women (n=4084), 20 years and older. Energy reporting was assessed by computing a ratio of reported energy intake (EI) to estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR). EI was obtained from Day 1 dietary data and BMR was estimated using age and sex specific Schofield equations. The mean (95% CI) EI:BMR was 1.43 (1.41, 1.46) for men and 1.26 (1.24, 1.29) for women. Overall, for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy weight category (18.5 to <25) the EI:BMR was 1.50 (1.47, 1.53). Using a Goldberg cutoff value of <0.9, 17% of men and 25% of women were classified as a low energy reporter (LER). For healthy weight individuals, less than 14% were LERs. The prevalence of low energy reporting was highest in women and in obese individuals (BMI=30). Other characteristics of LERs will be presented.Funding source for this study is USDA