Physiologic and Behavioral Correlates of Energy Intake in Emerging Adulthood: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the RIGHT Track Health Study

Abstract

BackgroundConsistent findings have reported that FFM is associated with EI. However, conjoint assessments of physiologic (body composition, fasting serum leptin) and behavioral [eating behaviors and physical activity (PA)] correlates of EI during emerging adulthood have not been examined. ObjectivesWe assessed associations between physiologic and behavioral correlates of EI within the context of one another in emerging adults (18–28 years old). We also assessed these associations in a subsample after the removal of probable EI underreporters. MethodsCross-sectional data from 244 emerging adults (age = 19.6 ± 1.4 y; BMI = 26.4 ± 6.6 kg/m2; 56.6% female) from the RIGHT Track Health study were used. Measures included body composition (BOD POD), eating behaviors (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), objective and subjective PA (accelerometer-derived total activity counts and Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), fasting serum leptin, and EI (three 24-hour dietary recalls). Correlates independently associated with EI were entered into a backward stepwise linear regression model. Correlates that met the criteria of P < 0.05 were retained. Analyses were repeated in a subsample after removing probable EI underreporters (n = 48). Effect modification by sex (male and female) and BMI (BMI < 25 kg/m2, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) categories was also assessed. ResultsIn the full sample, FFM (β: 18.4; 95% CI: 9.9, 26.8), leptin (β: −84.8; 95% CI: −154.3, −15.4), dietary restraint (β: −35.2; 95% CI: −59.1, −11.3), and subjective PA (β: 2.5; 95% CI: 0.04, 4.9) were significantly associated with EI. After the removal of probable underreporters, only FFM remained significantly associated with EI (β: 43.9; 95% CI: 27.2, 60.6). No evidence of effect modification by sex or BMI categories was noted. ConclusionsAlthough physiologic and behavioral correlates were associated with EI in the full sample, only FFM remained a robust correlate of EI in a subsample of emerging adults after removing probable EI underreporters.