Predictors of weight gain in the Pound of Prevention study

OBJECTIVES: This study examined cross-sectional and prospective relationshi ps between macronutrient intake. behaviors intended to limit fat intake, ph ysical activity and body weight. DESIGN: The overall goal was to identify diet and exercise behaviors that p redict and/or accompany weight gain or loss over time. Specific questions a ddressed included: (a) are habitual levels of diet or exercise predictive o f weight change; (b) are habitual diet and exercise levels associated cross -sectionally with body weight; and (c) are changes in diet and exercise ass ociated with changes in body weight over time? PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were a sample of community volunteers (n=826 women, n=218 men) taking part in a weight gain prevention project over a 3-year pe riod. MEASURES: Body weight was measured at baseline and annually over the study period. Self-report measures of diet and exercise behavior were also measur ed annually. RESULTS: Among both men and women, the most consistent results were the pos itive association between dietary fat intake and weight gain and an inverse association between frequency of physical activity and weight gain. Indivi duals who weighed more both ate more and exercised less than those who weig hed less. Individuals who increased their physical activity level and decre ased their food intake over time were protected from weight gain compared t o those who did not. Frequency of high-intensity physical activity was part icularly important for both men and women. Additionally, women who consiste ntly engaged in higher levels of moderate physical activity gained weight a t a slower rate compared to women who were less active. CONCLUSIONS: Overall results indicated that both cross-sectionally and pros pectively, the determinants of weight and weight change are multifactorial. Attention to exercise, fat intake and total energy intake all appear impor tant for successful long term control of body weight.