Misreporting of total energy intake in older men and women

Misreporting of total energy intake occurs frequently in dietary studies. Relatively few studies have been performed in older individuals who may be vulnerable to obesity and its associated health risks. In the present study, we examined misreporting of total energy intake by comparing self-reported food intake, measured by 3-day food diaries, to energy expenditure, measured with the doubly labeled water technique, in a relatively large sample of older men (n = 39) and women (n = 43). An additional objective was to identify potential predictors of misreporting, including body composition, fitness as assessed by peak VO2, and sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, living arrangement, education, and income. In general, men and women underreported total energy intake. The magnitude of the underreporting, as measured by percent difference between reported intake and measured total energy expenditure, was comparable between the sexes. Body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were significant correlates of underreporting of total energy intake, with heavier individuals underreporting more than leaner individuals. Among the demographic variables, living arrangement was a significant determinant of misreporting of total energy intake in older people. Individuals in marriage-like living arrangements underreported their total energy intake to a greater extent than married individuals. However, the magnitude of misreporting by those living alone did not differ from that of married individuals. The results of the present study highlight the need to examine misreporting of total energy intake in older individuals, who are more prone to obesity and its health risks.