Interactions Among Habitual Physical Activity, Eating Patterns, and Diet Composition

Abstract

Current public health recommendations include adequate diet and exercise in order to reduce the risk of chronic disease, especially vascular disease and other complications associated with obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible relationships between the level of habitual physical activity, eating patterns, and diet composition in apparently healthy adults who exercise regularly. Subjects completed questionnaires and diaries regarding their fitness activity and nutrition. Time spent in the lowest energy expenditure category was associated with high cholesterol intakes and time spent in activities comparable to walking at a leisurely pace and light housework was associated with lower fat consumption. Fat consumption was also higher and carbohydrate consumption was lower than optimal. There was no other correlation between physical activity and the intake of any other nutrient. Further investigation is needed in sedentary populations in order to compare these findings.