Misreporting of total energy intake in older African Americans

(1) To examine misreporting of total energy intake in older African-American men and women using the double-labeled water procedure; and (2) to identify significant physiological and demographic determinants of total energy intake misreporting in older African Americans.

Cross-sectional study examining gender differences and determinants of misreporting of total energy intake in older African-American men and women.

Sixty-four, older African-American men (n=28) and women (n=36); 52-84 y old; body mass index of 20.5-45.1 kg/m2.

Misreporting of total energy intake (difference between reported intakes and measured energy expenditure by doubly labeled water procedure), peak VO2, resting metabolic rate (by indirect calorimetry), indices of body fat and fat distribution (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry), income, living arrangement and education (by interview).

Older African-American men and women under-reported total energy intake to a modest degree and there were no gender differences in the magnitude of the misreporting. Peak VO2 (a determinant of daily energy requirements) and percentage intakes of fat and protein were significant correlates of misreporting of total energy intake in older African Americans. When these correlates were entered in a multiple regression model, only percentage dietary fat and protein intakes independently predicted misreporting of total energy intake.

Cultural differences in attitudes regarding food and weight have significant effects on misreporting of total energy intake in older African Americans. In addition, individuals who misreported their total energy intake to a greater extent reported consuming less fat and more protein. Misreporting of total energy intake may occur less frequently in older African Americans as compared to other racial groups, since they may be less preoccupied with body size and image. International Journal of Obesity (2000)24, 20-26