Energy Intake Research Articles

Time of Energy Intake: Association with Weight Status, Diet Quality, and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Brazil

Time of Energy Intake: Association with Weight Status, Diet Quality, and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Brazil

The Potential of Dehydrated Geniotrigona thoracica Stingless Bee Honey against Metabolic Syndrome in Rats Induced by a High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is diagnosed when at least three out of five key risk factors are present: obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). MS is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have shown that raw stingless bee honey (SBH) can alleviate MS risk factors. However, the high moisture content in raw SBH predisposes it to fermentation, which can degrade its quality. Therefore, dehydrating SBH is necessary to prevent the fermentation process. This study aimed to compare the effects of dehydrated (DeGT) and raw (RGT) SBH from Geniotrigona thoracica species on high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (HCHF)-induced MS in rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (C), HCHF-induced MS without treatment (MS), HCHF-induced MS treated with DeGT (MS+DeGT) and HCHF-induced MS treated with RGT (MS+RGT). Group C received standard rat chow, while the other groups were fed with HCHF diet for 16 weeks. In the final eight weeks, two HCHF-induced groups received their respective SBH treatments. Results: Both DeGT and RGT treatments reduced energy intake, fat mass, high blood pressure, inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and obesity (the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio, corticosterone, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (11βHSD1)) markers, as well as prevented histomorphometry changes (prevented adipocyte hypertrophy, increased the Bowman’s space area and glomerular atrophy). Additionally, DeGT increased serum HDL levels, while RGT reduced serum TG, leptin and other inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)), as well as hepatosteatosis. Conclusions: While DeGT demonstrates potential as a preventive agent for MS, RGT exhibited more pronounced anti-MS effects in this study.

The post ICU trajectory: Post acute and post ICU nutritional care

ICU survivors are growing but a persistent physical and mental disability may occur. The patients discharged from ICU are frequently malnourished and their medical nutritional support is impaired by oral intake limitation due to respiratory support such as non invasive ventilation or high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, dysphagia and difficulties to determine energy and protein targets. ICU acquired weakness must be recognized and could be minimized by better energy intake determined by indirect calorimetry, optimal protein intake and physical activity. Early physical activity has become a pivotal element of the improvement of the physical and cognitive condition in the post ICU.

Early Life Energy Balance: The Development of Infant Energy Expenditure and Intake in the Context of Obesity.

This review aims to provide a summary of the current knowledge on measurement tools and most recent evidence for prenatal and postnatal modulators of energy balance in young infants. The prevention of pediatric obesity depends upon curating the perfect imbalance of energy intake to energy expenditure, taking into consideration the energy needs for healthy growth. We summarize the recent evidence for the programming of fetal and infant metabolism influenced by maternal preconception health, prenatal metabolic milieu, and physical activity behaviors. In the early postnatal environment, caregiver feeding behaviors shape the extent of energy imbalance through dictating quantity and modality of infant energy intake. There are biological and behavioral contributors to improper infant energy imbalance. Furthermore, caregiver and clinician education on overfeeding and clinical tools to prescribe and monitor infant overgrowth are absent. Ultimately, the lack of high-quality and modern research of infant energy expenditure underpins the lack of advancement in clinical guidelines and the needed prevention of pediatric obesity.

Mediterranean diet lowers risk of new-onset diabetes: a nationwide cohort study in China

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet (MD) has shown promising results in preventing type 2 diabetes, particularly in Mediterranean and European populations. However, the applicability of these benefits to non-Mediterranean populations is unclear, with contradictory findings in the literature.MethodsIn this study, we included 12,575 participants without diabetes at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was measured by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. The Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) was measured by a score scale that included nine components of vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, red meat, dairy products, and alcohol. New-onset diabetes was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes during the follow-up.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 9.0 years, 445 (3.5%) subjects developed diabetes. Overall, there was an inverse association between the MDA score and new-onset diabetes (per score increment, HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90). Moreover, age, sex, BMI, and energy intake significantly modified the association between the MDA score and the risk of new-onset diabetes (all P interactions < 0.05). Greater fruit, fish, and nut intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset diabetes.ConclusionThere was an inverse association between Mediterranean diet adherence and new-onset diabetes in the Chinese population.

Relationship between emotional eating and nutritional intake in adult women with overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmotional eating (EE) is particularly prevalent in overweight or obese women, who may turn to food as a way to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety. Limited research has been conducted on the association between EE and nutritional intake. Therefore, present study was designed to explore this association in adult women with overweight and obesity.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the relationship between EE and nutritional intake in 303 overweight and obese women (aged 18–50 years) was examined. The researchers used the validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess participants’ nutritional intake and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) to evaluate their eating behavior. To determine the association between EE and nutritional intake, we employed the multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe frequency of high intensity EE was 64.4% among the study participants and the mean total score of EE subscale of DBEQ was 2.32 ± 0.81. The total score of EE was positively associated with the energy intake (β = 0.396, P = 0.007), even after adjusting for age and BMI. In addition, a significant inverse association was found between the score of EE and the daily intake of calcium (β= -0.219, P = 0.026), riboflavin (β= -0.166, P = 0.043), and vitamin B12 (β= -0.271, P = 0.035), independent from energy and age. Also the results showed a significant positive association between the score of EE and the frequency of daily intake of cracker, muffin, cake, cream cake, pastry, candy, ice cream, pickles, melon, hydrogenated vegetable oil, peanut, salted and roasted seeds, and corn-cheese puff snack.ConclusionThis study found that overweight or obese women with higher intensity of EE might have a higher intake of energy and a lower intake of dietary calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Integrating a balanced diet with psychotherapy is suggested to help individuals with EE reducing the urge to eat in response to emotions.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex are negatively associated with food motivation in a pediatric sample

Food motivation varies between individuals, affecting body weight and risk for eating disorders. Prior neuroimaging studies in youth and adults have revealed functional and structural alterations in the anterior cingulate cortex [ACC] in those with obesity and disordered eating but have not investigated their neurochemical underpinnings. In a sample of 37 children aged 4 to 13 years old, we used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy [MRS] to assess levels of γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA] – the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain – quantified relative to creatine in a 27-ml voxel including the dorsal ACC. We used the CEBQ to assess trait food motivation. In analyses adjusting for age, lower GABA+/Cr levels in the dorsal ACC were associated with higher trait enjoyment of food. Higher enjoyment of food scores were in turn associated with higher energy intake during an ad libitum test meal and during a postprandial task assessing intake in the absence of hunger, and higher body weight. Our results indicate a role for GABA function in the dorsal ACC in determining individual variation in food motivation in children.

Processing of Milkfish and Moringa Flour as Alternative Superfoods for Handling Stunting in Bone Regency

Stunting has a big influence on children's growth and development, both motoric and verbal development. Stunting can be prevented by fulfilling quality energy intake. Modification of additional food for toddlers by using local food through a touch of technology is the strategy offered in this research. This study aims to evaluate the effect of fortification of Moringa leaf flour in milkfish crackers on organoleptic characteristics, including color, aroma, texture and taste. The cracker samples were fortified with Moringa leaf flour at concentrations of 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%. The assessment is carried out by panelists who provide scores for each parameter. The results showed that fortification up to 2.5% did not affect color and aroma, and improved texture, but reduced taste acceptability. Fortification at levels of 5% and 7.5% reduced the acceptability of taste and color although the texture remained good.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation elicits weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic rats.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for the majority of diabetes incidences and remains a widespread global chronic disorder. Apart from early lifestyle changes, intervention options for T2D are mainly pharmaceutical. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been approved by the FDA as a therapeutic intervention option for major depressive disorders, with further studies also indicating its role in energy metabolism and appetite. Considering its safe and non-invasive properties, we evaluated the effects of rTMS on systemic metabolism using T2D rats. We observed that rTMS improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in T2D rats after a 10-day exposure. Improved systemic insulin sensitivity was maintained after a 21-day treatment period, accompanied by modest yet significant weight loss. Circulating serum lipid levels, including those of cholesteryl ester, tryglyceride and ceramides, were also reduced following rTMS application. RNA-seq analyses further revealed a changed expression profile of hepatic genes that are related to sterol production and fatty acid metabolism. Altered expression of hypothalamic genes that are related to appetite regulation, neural activity and ether lipid metabolism were also implicated. In summary, our data report a positive impact of rTMS on systemic insulin sensitivity and weight management of T2D rats. The underlying mechanisms via which rTMS regulates systemic metabolic parameters partially involve lipid utilization in the periphery as well as central regulation of energy intake and lipid metabolism.

Overnutrition among the School Students in Dhaka City: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The study focuses on childhood obesity and its rise due to fast food and reduced physical activity.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the nutritional assessment, knowledge, attitude and practice of English medium School students aged 11-15 years in Dhaka city. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 280 school students with anthropometric measurement and using a semi-structured questionnaire with the permission of the student’s guardian/s. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in this study found 51.43% where 11.43% were obese and 40.0% were overweight. The students have eaten pizza, burger and pastry according to 20%, 28% and 15% respectively at their tiffin time. About 68% respondents have not played any outdoor games (only computer games regularly). 61% normal BMI students did physical activity regularly and 91% risk BMI respondents didn’t physical activity regularly. The energy intake in last 24 hours of respondents according to their BMI also is statistically significant (p&lt;0.01); the average energy intake of 49% male of normal BMI respondent was about 1576 kJ and the average energy intake of 48% female of normal BMI respondent was about 1455 kJ. On the other hand, the average energy intake of 51% male of risk BMI respondent was about 1819 kJ and the average energy intake of 52% female of risk BMI respondent was about 1707 kJ. Conclusion: Overweight/obesity is a public-health concern among English medium school students, especially in high-income group in Dhaka. From the key finding of the current study, awareness program regarding overweight or obesity along with prevention measures were particularly focus on the English medium school students from their school as well as their family. Keywords: Obesity, Overweight, BMI, Energy Intake, Food consumption, Nutritional value.

Higher protein intake may benefit in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is usually associated with muscle wasting and diaphragm weakness, resulting in high medical costs and mortality. Adequate energy and protein intake were beneficial in sarcopenia patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of protein intake in weaning parameters in patients with PMV. We enrolled patients with PMV (mechanical ventilation ≥6 h/day for ≥21 days) from a respiratory care center (RCC) of a tertiary medical center from December 2020 to October 2022, and classified them into weaning success and weaning failure groups. The patients' characteristics, nutrition records, weaning parameters and outcomes were analyzed. A total of 289 patients were included (mean age 73.5 years). Of the 289 patients, 149 were weaned successfully and 140 were not. The average protein intake was higher in the weaning success group than in the weaning failure group (1.22 ± 0.320 versus 0.99 ± 0.332 g/kg/day, p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the average calorie intake and whey protein intake between the two groups. RSBI <90 breaths/min/L (OR = 2.38, p = 0.045), serum albumin at 4th week ≥3 g/dL (OR = 2.89, p = 0.027), daily protein intake ≥1.01 g/kg/day (OR = 8.10, p < 0.001), PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio ≥ 300 (OR = 2.56, p = 0.027) were independent predictors for weaning from ventilator. Weak positive correlations were found between average protein intake with PF ratio (r = 0.1576, p = 0.0227) and PaO2 (r = 0.13359, p = 0.0497). Daily protein intake had positively correlated with PF ratio and had independently benefit for weaning in patients with PMV.

BMI and deep brain stimulation: A comprehensive review and future directions with AI integration.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has revolutionized the treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremors, dystonia, and treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of DBS on Body Mass Index (BMI). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, data from 49 studies were reviewed, with 46 studies specifically focusing on BMI and DBS. These studies involved 1,478 participants, predominantly PD patients, with an average age of 58.82years. The primary DBS implantation site was the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Over six months, the mean BMI increased from 25.69 to 27.41, despite a reduction in daily energy intake from 1992 to 1873kJ. While the findings suggest a correlation between DBS and weight gain, the study has limitations. The sample largely comprised PD patients (91%), preventing analysis of other subtypes. Additionally, most studies focused on the STN, limiting comparisons with other targets like the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Inconsistencies in assessing daily energy intake and food consumption further complicate the results. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in future research could address these gaps. For example, machine learning algorithms, such as those used by Oliveira et al., can predict post-DBS weight changes based on pre-surgical BMI and demographic factors. Similarly, AI-driven models like CLOVER-DBS can optimize DBS settings for improved motor control in PD patients. In conclusion, DBS affects BMI, and AI has the potential to enhance the precision of future studies.

Neurodevelopmental Pathways to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Insights From Prenatal Exposure to Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Report on Research Supported by Pathway to Stop Diabetes.

Incidences of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are climbing at alarming rates. Evidence points to prenatal exposures to maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as key contributors to these upward trends. Children born to mothers with these conditions face higher risks of obesity and T2D, beyond genetic or shared environmental factors. The underpinnings of this maternal-fetal programming are complex. However, animal studies have shown that such prenatal exposures can lead to changes in brain pathways, particularly in the hypothalamus, leading to obesity and T2D later in life. This article highlights significant findings stemming from research funded by my American Diabetes Association Pathway Accelerator Award and is part of a series of Perspectives that report on research funded by the American Diabetes Association Pathway to Stop Diabetes program. This critical support, received more than a decade ago, paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries, translating the neural programming findings from animal models into human studies and exploring new avenues in maternal-fetal programming. Our BrainChild cohort includes >225 children, one-half of whom were exposed in utero to maternal GDM and one-half born to mothers without GDM. Detailed studies in this cohort, including neuroimaging and metabolic profiling, reveal that early fetal exposure to maternal GDM is linked to alterations in brain regions, including the hypothalamus. These neural changes correlate with increased energy intake and predict greater increases in BMI, indicating that early neural changes may underlie and predict later obesity and T2D, as observed in animal models. Ongoing longitudinal studies in this cohort will provide critical insights toward breaking the vicious cycle of maternal-child obesity and T2D.

Characterization of the Physicochemical and Energetic Properties of Alchornea cordifolia Leaves and Fruits Harvested in three Regions of Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: This study aims to enhance the nutritional value of the leaves and fruits of Alchornea cordifolia by characterizing the physicochemical compounds through their dosage. Study Design: To solve health problems, humans use different methods, including the use of spontaneous wild plants such as Alchornea cordifolia. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Agro-valorization laboratory of the Jean Lorougnon Guédé University of Daloa between November 2023 and July 2024. Methodology: The plant material consisted of leaves and fruits of Alchornea cordifolia harvested from three regions. The characterization of the pH and lipid ash, pH, dry matter, carbohydrates, energy values contents was carried out by official analysis methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), proteins by the Kjeldahl method, lipids by the Soxhlet method, fibers by the Weende method, and total and reducing sugars were determined using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry method by spectrophotometric use. Results: the samples analysed contain the highest average content of proteins 15.11% for young leaves, 3.7% lipids, 3.9% pH, 58.69% carbohydrates and 261.63 kcal energy value. In terms of dried leaves, 6.02% ash, 91.80% dry matter and 37.83% fibre. Mature leaves record 6.66% total sugars and 3.2% reducing sugars. Conclusion: In conclusion, these leaves, whether young, dried, or mature, offer a variety of essential nutrients that can meet different nutritional needs, ranging from protein and energy intake to digestion and mineral intake.

Effects of overnight-fasted versus fed-state exercise on the components of energy balance and interstitial glucose across four days in healthy adults

Exercise is an essential component of body mass management interventions. Overnight-fasted exercise (FASTex) acutely enhances fat oxidation compared with fed exercise (FEDex). However, consistent FASTex training does not typically further enhance body mass loss, suggesting the induction of energy compensation responses. The present study aimed to test the effects of FASTex or FEDex on the components of energy balance (i.e., energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), and appetite) and interstitial glucose metrics across four days. MethodsTwelve (10 men, 2 women) healthy, physically active participants (age 22.6 + 1.2 years (mean ± SD); BMI 22.5 ± 2.8 kg ⋅ m−2) were studied twice, across four days, after a 75-min run either FASTex or FEDex. Daily EI was obtained after subtracting leftovers from the provided food. Daily fasting appetite was measured by visual analogue scales. Activity- and total- EE (AEE & TEE, respectively) were estimated by combining heart rate and accelerometry. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to capture daily interstitial glucose metrics and Likert scales were utilised to quantify fatigue, stress, sleep quality, and muscle soreness levels. ResultsNo differences between conditions were observed for EI (FASTex = 15.0 ± 0.1 vs FEDex = 15.0 ± 0.4 MJ⋅day−1; p = 0.865), AEE (FASTex = 7.6 ± 1.1 vs FEDex 7.8 ± 1.3 MJ⋅day−1; p = 0.223) and TEE (FASTex = 15.9 ± 3.4 vs 14.9 ± 4.5 MJ⋅day−1; p = 0.136). Additionally, no condition effects for appetite (p > 0.05) and interstitial glucose (p = 0.074) were observed. ConclusionFASTex did not differ from FEDex in the response of components of energy balance or interstitial glucose across four days, suggesting that both exercise approaches could be used interchangeably.

Nutritional diagnoses in people with type 2 diabetes: association with metabolic, anthropometric, and dietary parameters.

Nutritional diagnosis involves identifying a nutritional problem, its cause, and the signs that indicate it to guide appropriate treatment. Few studies report on the most prevalent nutritional diagnoses in people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). To define nutritional diagnoses across different domains and their association with metabolic, anthropometric, and dietary parameters in individuals with T2D. A personalized nutritional intervention was conducted using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) model, which encompasses assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation, utilizing standardized terminology from the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT). Two dietitians, trained and standardized in applying the NCP and NCPT, performed patient assessments and established the diagnoses. Patients over 18 years old with a diagnosis of T2D for less than 5 years were included. Data from 2,050 patients were analyzed, of whom 55.3% were women, and 44.7% were men, with a median age of 57 and 54 years, respectively. The most prevalent nutritional diagnosis was excessive energy and carbohydrate intake. Diagnoses were distributed across domains: Intake (55.9%), Behavioral/Environmental (32.7%), Clinical (10.2%), and 1.2% without nutritional diagnosis. Significant intergroup differences were observed in anthropometric variables such as BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage (p < 0.05). HbA1c and glucose levels were significantly higher in the Intake and Behavioral groups (p < 0.001). Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was higher in the ingestion group (p = 0.007). Caloric and carbohydrate intake were higher in the ingestion group, while protein and fat intake were higher in the clinical and behavioral groups (p < 0.001). Nutritional diagnoses in the intake domain, followed by behavioral/ environmental and clinical domains, are highly prevalent in people with T2D and are associated with worse metabolic control, higher BMI, and increased energy and carbohydrate intake. Timely identification of issues in these domains can support targeted nutritional therapy to improve disease management and promote a healthy lifestyle. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02836808?term=caipadi&rank=2, Identifier (NCT02836808).

What are the changes in mothers' diets after the birth of a child: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort.

Childbirth is a major life-changing event, this period is an opportunity to improve eating habits. The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify and characterise dietary changes in women according to their parity status. Dietary intake data from 4194 women of childbearing age included in the NutriNet-Santé cohort were derived using a FFQ, administered in 2014 and 2018, distinguishing between organic and conventional food consumption. Women were classified into four groups: ‘previous children’, ‘multiparous’, ‘primiparous’ and ‘nulliparous’. Multi-adjusted ANCOVA models were used to estimate the changes according to the parity group. Changes in food consumption towards a more plant-based, healthier and organic diet were observed in all four groups of women, although to various degrees. In multivariable models, ‘Nulliparous’ women showed a greater improvement in terms of ‘sustainable’ food consumption than ‘previous children’ women. ‘Primiparous’ women significantly increased their energy intake (+349 (269–429) kcal/d) and their consumption of dairy products (+30 (3–56) g/d), and they significantly decreased their consumption of alcohol (–23 (–32–15) g/d), coffee and tea (–107 (–155–60) g/d). Regarding organic food, ‘nulliparous’ women increased their consumption more than ‘previous children’ and ‘primiparous’ women were those who were most frequently in the top quintile of organic food increase. Although there were dietary changes in all groups of women according to their parity, childless women have a shift moving towards a more sustainable diet. Women who had a first child reduced their alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Association between dietary vitamin K and telomere length: Based on NHANES 2001 to 2002.

As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, vitamin K has the potential to reduce telomere attrition. However, the correlation between dietary vitamin K and telomere length (TL) has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the association between these 2 variables. This study included 3754 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002 database. We used multivariate linear regression and restricted cubic splines to assess the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and TL. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were utilized to examine the stability of the results. After adjusting for all variables, each unit increase in daily dietary intake of vitamin K lengthened telomeres by 0.22 base pairs (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09-0.36, P = .001). Individuals with the highest dietary vitamin K intake had significantly longer TL (β = 80.27, 95% CI: 20.83-139.71, P = .008). Subgroup analyses suggested that this association persisted in populations stratified by gender, age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), body mass index and total energy intake (P for interaction > .05). A linear relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and TL was observed in restricted cubic splines (P for nonlinear = .554). In conclusion, our findings suggest that dietary vitamin K intake is positively associated with TL, providing recent evidence to guide the management of healthy diets.

Energy Availability and Body Composition in Professional Athletes: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Background/Objectives: Energy availability (EA) is essential for maintaining physiological functions, significantly influencing athletes’ health and performance. Nutritional behaviors, however, vary across sports. This study aims to assess EA levels in athletes from different disciplines, focusing on the relationship between EA and body composition in endurance athletes compared to rugby players. Methods: This study involved 18 endurance athletes (15 men, 3 women) and 36 rugby players (all men). Data were gathered through interviews, questionnaires, and bioimpedance analysis. Energy intake (EI) was measured with a 24 h dietary recall, and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) was calculated using the IPAQ questionnaire. EA was calculated as EA = (EI − EEE)/fat-free mass (FFM), with results categorized into clinical, subclinical, and optimal ranges. Results: The endurance group had a lower average FFM (57.81 kg) compared to the rugby players (67.61 kg). EA was also significantly lower in endurance athletes (11.72 kcal/kg FFM) than in rugby players (35.44 kcal/kg FFM). Endurance athletes showed more restrictive nutritional behavior with lower EI and higher EEE, but both groups maintained body composition within normal ranges. Conclusions: Endurance athletes exhibit greater nutritional restrictions compared to rugby players, though their body composition remains healthy. Further research is required to investigate the long-term effects of low EA on performance, injury risk, and potential impairment when EA falls below the optimal threshold of 45 kcal/kg FFM/day.

Does greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern correspond to a better body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with overweight and primary hypertension? Data from the EXERDIET-HTA study.

Cardiovascular events are positively associated with primary hypertension (HTN), obesity, and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and negatively with healthy dietary patterns, such as Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), Mediterranean diet (MD), and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The aim is to analyze the association between healthy dietary patterns with body composition and CRF. Body composition (bioimpedance) and CRF [peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak)] were assessed in 165 participants with HTN and overweight/obesity. There were (1) a positive association (unadjusted) between fat-free mass (%) with DASH and MD (P = 0.03) and a negative association between fat mass (%) and MD (P = 0.03); (2) positive associations (adjusted) between V̇O2peak (l·min-1) with DASH (P = 0.007), HDI (P = 0.017), and MD (P = 0.010) and V̇O2peak (ml·kg-1·min-1) with DASH (P = 0.005); (3) a negative relationship (unadjusted and adjusted) between energy intake and DASH (P = 0.004). In conclusion, these findings highlight the cardiovascular health protection provided by healthy dietary patterns associated with healthier CRF and body composition in people with a profile of HTN and overweight.