Characterizing Factors Associated with Excess Body Weight: A Descriptive Study Using Principal Component Analysis in a Population with Overweight and Obesity.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, making it crucial to understand how it can be effectively prevented/treated. Considering that obesity is a multifactorial condition, this article carried out a baseline cross-sectional study of the variables involved in the disorder. Eighty-four subjects with overweight/obesity were recruited. Dietary baseline information was obtained by analysing three 24 h recalls. Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry, physical activity was measured through accelerometry, cardiometabolic parameters were determined in blood samples and body composition via anthropometry and bioimpedance. A univariant and multivariate exploratory approach was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA). Large inter-individual variability was observed in dietetic, biochemical, and physical activity measurements (coefficient of variation ≥ 30%), but body composition was more uniform. Volunteers had an unbalanced diet and low levels of physical activity. PCA reduced the 26 analysed variables to 4 factors, accounting for 65.4% of the total data variance. The main factor was the "dietetic factor", responsible for 24.0% of the total variance and mainly related to energy intake, lipids, and saturated fatty acids. The second was the "cardiometabolic factor" (explaining 16.8% of the variability), the third was the "adiposity factor" (15.2%), and the last was the "serum cholesterol factor" (9.4%).

The associations between anthropometric characteristics and nutritional parameters in male elite rugby union players.

The objective was to analyse the associations between anthropometric characteristics and diet in male rugby players according to the playing position. A cross-sectional study was developed. The forwards had higher body weight (107 kg) and fat mass (FM; 12%) than the backs (87.8 kg and 8.47%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The quality of diet needs to improve (KIDMED value of 5.87 and 6.36 for forwards and backs, respectively). Nutritional imbalances, such as deficits in carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, and excess of fats, saturated fatty acid, cholesterol and sugars were found. Carbohydrates and proteins intake were significant associated (p < 0.05) with a minor FM. Forwards with a KIDMED index of less than 8 had a significantly higher FM than those who maintained an optimal diet (p < 0.05). The diet of rugby players should be more in line with dietary recommendations and take into account the player position to optimise sports performance.