Weight Gain & Weight Loss
Weight Study Aim
This study examined cross-sectional and prospective relationships between
macronutrient intake, behaviors intended to limit fat intake, physical
activity and body weight.
Weight Study Method
The overall goal was to identify diet and exercise behaviors that predict
and/or accompany weight gain or loss over time. Specific questions addressed
included: (a) are habitual levels of diet or exercise predictive of weight
change; (b) are habitual diet and exercise levels associated cross-sectionally
with body weight; and (c) are changes in diet and exercise associated
with changes in body weight over time?
Weight Study Subjects
Subjects were a sample of community volunteers (n=826 women, n=218 men)
taking part in a weight gain prevention project over a 3-year period.
Weight Study Measurements
Body weight was measured at baseline and annually over the study period.
Self-report measures of diet and exercise behavior were also measured
annually.
Weight Study Results
Among both men and women, the most consistent results were the positive
association between dietary fat intake and weight gain and an inverse
association between frequency of physical activity and weight gain. Individuals
who weighed more both ate more and exercised less than those who weighed
less. Individuals who increased their physical activity level and decreased
their food intake over time were protected from weight gain compared to
those who did not. Frequency of high-intensity physical activity was particularly
important for both men and women. Additionally, women who consistently
engaged in higher levels of moderate physical activity gained weight at
a slower rate compared to women who were less active.
Weight Study Conclusion
Overall results indicated that both cross-sectionally and prospectively,
the determinants of weight and weight change are multifactorial. Attention
to exercise, fat intake and total energy intake all appear important for
successful long term control of body weight.
Source: International Journal of Obesity
(2000)
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