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Physically active lifestyle does not decrease the risk of fattening
Klaas R Westerterp1, Guy Plasqui
1Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. K.Westerterp@HB.Unimaas.NL
Plos One
|March 10, 2009
Summary
As people age, reduced physical activity leads to increased body fat. Maintaining energy balance requires conscious dietary changes to offset lower activity levels, especially in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Aging is linked to decreased physical activity and increased body fat.
- Reduced physical activity impacts energy balance and fat storage.
- Understanding age-related changes in physical activity is crucial for health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of age-associated physical activity decline on energy balance.
- To determine how reduced physical activity influences body fat accumulation.
- To examine the relationship between physical activity changes and fat gain in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal observation of young adults over 10+ years.
- Measurement of physical activity using doubly labeled water and accelerometers.
- Assessment of body fat gain via isotope dilution techniques.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between changes in physical activity and body fat.
- Higher initial physical activity levels predicted greater fat gain over time.
- Reduced physical activity in young adulthood contributes to increased adiposity.
Conclusions:
- Transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle does not automatically decrease energy intake.
- Cognitive control and dietary adjustments are necessary to maintain energy balance with reduced physical activity.
- Interventions may be needed to manage fat gain associated with lifestyle changes.
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