Seasonal Increases in Sedentary Behavior and Energy Intake Are Associated With Increases in Percentage Body Fat of Midlife Women: A 1-Year Cohort Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Gradual increases in percentage body fat (%BF) across years can lead to overweight in middle-aged women, resulting in greater health risks. Some seasons (fall, winter) may be more likely to result in increased %BF based on changes in energy intake (EI), sedentary activity (Sed), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study assessed whether seasonal changes in EI and PA were predictive of changes in %BF from summer to spring. Methods Participants included 52 women aged 40–60 years with a BMI between 18–35 kg/m2. Body composition (%BF, iDXA) data were collected during 4 visits across one year, once at the midpoint of each season. Sed and MVPA (accelerometry) data were collected in tandem with the 4 visits; participants wore the device for 12 waking h/day for 7 days. EI (ASA 24-h Dietary Recall) data were collected 36 times throughout the year, each measurement 10 days apart, then averaged across seasons. Results From ANOVA %BF increased (P = .02) from summer to spring. From correlation, increased EI from summer to fall was associated with sustained increases (r = .37, P = .009) in %BF into both winter and spring, and increased EI (r = .36, P = .007) and Sed (r = .37, P = .056) from summer to winter was associated with increased %BF in the spring. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that age (R2 = .14, P = .007) predicted change in %BF from summer to spring, and adding seasonal changes in Sed, MVPA, and EI did not significantly impact the model. In the context of the full model (R2 = .41, P = .01), greater baseline age (β = 0.31, P = .02) and increases in Sed from summer to winter (β = 0.87, P = .002) had significant unique contributions in predicting increased %BF in spring. Conclusions Increases in %BF during the fall and winter are not reversed by spring. The magnitude of yearly increases in %BF are greater as women age. As women age, more attention should be given to diet and exercise during the fall and winter months to reduce increases in %BF. Women should consider limiting increases in sedentary behavior and energy intake during the fall and winter. Funding Sources Funded by USDA-ARS. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.