Reporting of energy intake and its association with weight and lifestyle among 18-45 year old Tehranian women

ABSTRACT

This study, aimed to evaluate the ratio between Energy Intake and Resting metabolic Rate [EI/RMR] among female Tehranian adults, and to compare age and anthropometric and dietary characteristics between relatively under and over reporters. This cross-sectional study included 187 healthy women, aged 18 to 45 years. The EI/RMR ratio was used as an indicator of reporting accuracy, with EI/RMR<1.35 considered to represent under reporting, and EI/RMR >/= 2.4 as over-reporting of El. Data on age, antropometric and lifestyle variables were gathered by a second questionnaire designed for this survey. In addition dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative 125 item food-frequency questionnaire. ANOVA was used for data analysis. EI/RMR was 1.6 +/- 0.6 [meantSD]. Thirty-five per cent of the subjects had EI/RMR <1.34, while 7% of the subjects showed EI/RMR>2.4. BMI correlated negatively [p=-0.199, P<0.01] with EI/RMR. Age, BMI, body weight, waist and RMR decreased significanlty with the increase in EI/RMR [P<0.01]. The oldest age group [>/= 40] had lower EI/RMR values than the youngest age group [30>] [1.5 vs.1.8]. Under-reporters consumed less fish, magarine, coffee, sweet and fat than did the other subjects. Under-reporting, rather than over-reporting of energy intake was predominant in this female population of Tehran. BMI was the most important factor affecting the reporting accuracy of energy intake