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Published on: November 11, 2021
More physically active and leaner adolescents have higher energy intake
Magdalena Cuenca-García1, Francisco B Ortega2, Jonatan R Ruiz2
1Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Granada University, Granada, Spain.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Physically active, lean adolescents consume more energy. This study found that higher physical activity and lower body fat in youth correlate with increased energy intake, supporting the hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Adolescent Health
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Understanding energy balance in adolescents is crucial for public health.
- Adolescent physical activity and body composition are key factors influencing energy intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity, body composition (adiposity), and energy intake in adolescents.
- To determine if leaner, more active adolescents have higher energy consumption.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of two adolescent cohorts: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study and the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS).
- Physical activity assessed via accelerometry.
- Energy intake measured by 24-hour recall.
- Body composition evaluated using methods including skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and air-displacement plethysmography.
Main Results:
- Fat mass was inversely associated with energy intake across both studies.
- Fat-free mass showed a positive association with energy intake, though with some variability in one study.
- Vigorous physical activity (HELENA) and moderate physical activity (EYHS) were positively linked to energy intake.
- Findings remained consistent after adjusting for confounders and removing obese subjects.
Conclusions:
- The results support the hypothesis that physically active and leaner adolescents tend to have a higher energy intake.
- This suggests a complex interplay between physical activity, body composition, and dietary habits in youth.
Keywords:
BIABMIBMRBasal metabolic rateBioelectrical impedanceBody mass indexDIATDXADietary Intake Assessment ToolDual-energy X-ray absorptiometryEYHSEuropean Youth Heart StudyHELENAHealthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in AdolescenceMETsMSMMetabolic equivalentsMultiple Source MethodTEETotal energy expenditure
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