Leisure time physical activity, nutrition and body composition

Abstract

Practicing regular physical exercise has demonstrated an increased public acceptance and its beneficial effect has acquired an increasing social importance. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between leisure time physical activity, dietary patterns and body composition. The study assessed 105 adult males, with ages between 20 and 40 years engaged on leisure time physical activity. The primary sample was composed of 75 individuals practicing regular leisure time physical activity (cycling, gym and jogging). The sample was completed with 30 individuals (control group) whose physical activity reported to a unique session of casual physical activity, weekly or on weekends. Nutricional profile information was collected using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, while body composition was determined through skinfold analysis: chest, abdominal and thigh. Information regarding leisure time physical activity was collected through a questionnaire. The study revealed that: a) independently of the type of leisure time physical activity made, subjects that performed leisure physical activity on a regular basis, exhibited better dietary quality and lower energy intake; b) subjects that have higher energy intakes and lower levels of leisure time physical activity revealed higher percentages of fat mass indexes. In conclusion, it seems that regular and systematic physical exercise induces better nutritional behaviours, leading to a healthier body composition profile, reflected on lower indexes of fat mass.