Influence of urbanisation on physical activity and dietary changes in Huli-speaking population: a comparative study of village dwellers and migrants in urban settlements

The influence of urbanisation on physical activity and dietary changes was examined in a Papua New Guinea Highland population. Adult male and female s ubjects (n 56) were selected, including twenty-seven rural villagers and tw enty-nine urban migrants. BMR was calculated from values measured in simila r samples of Huli-speaking population, according to gender and body weight. Total daily energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed by 24 h heart rate (HR) monitoring (flex-HR method) and physical activity level (PAL) calculation w as based on BMR. Energy, protein and fat intakes were measured by weighing food on a single day. Urban subjects were heavier and taller than their rur al counterparts; significant differences were found in stature in men (P < 0.05) and body weight in women (P < 0.05). Urban subjects had longer sedent ary periods (HR I flex-MR) and shorter active periods (HR > flex-MR) than r ural subjects. Consequently, the former had lower TEE and PAL than the latt er; significant differences were found in women (TEE, P < 0.05, PAL, P < 0. 01) but not in men. Total daily energy intake and TEE were well balanced (< 7 %) in all groups, whereas protein and fat intakes were considerably highe r in urban subjects than rural subjects. Reduced PAL and increased fat inta ke by urban dwellers may increase the risks of obesity and chronic degenera tive diseases.