A longitudinal analysis of the impact of dietary intake and physical activity on weight change in adults

Abstract

The current investigation is a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and body weight change in adult men (n = 142) and women (n = 152). Measures of dietary intake, physical activity, and cigarette and alcohol consumption were obtained for 3 y. Results indicated a different pattern of predictors of weight change for men vs women. For women a high dietary energy and fat intake as well as increases in total energy intake were related to higher weight gain and increases in work activity levels were related to decreased weight gain. For men weight gain was predicted by increases in dietary fat intake. Sex differences are discussed as a possible moderator variable in the energy balance equation.