Dietary intake and physical activity are modifiable risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. Along with reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, improvements in dietary and physical activity behaviors can aid with weight management, enhance glycemic control, and improve bone mass.
A recent cross-sectional study on 1,836 US adults (20-65 years old) compared the independent and combined patterns of physical activity and diet to determine associations with multiple health and disease indicators. The health indicators analyzed included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides levels, and blood pressure. The disease status indicators which were analyzed included obesity (BMI>30), type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The authors of this study found that the individuals who consumed equal portions of meals, 3 times per day, were more likely to have a lower BMI and WC compared to those who had only consumed one meal per day. Moreover, diet and physical activity combined were associated with lower health-related indicators compared to physical activity alone.
Take home message: Diet and physical activity lifestyle behaviors influence each other. It is important to have healthy eating behaviors with balanced meals throughout the day as well as incorporate regular daily physical activity to optimize health benefits and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Reference: Lin L, Guo J, Bhadra A, et al. Temporal Patterns of Diet and Physical Activity and of Diet Alone Have More Numerous Relationships with Health and Disease Status Indicators Compared to Temporal Patterns of Physical Activity Alone [published online ahead of print, 2023 Jul 16]. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2023;S2212-2672(23)01210-8.
