Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Successful Weight Loss Maintainers

Abstract

Objective To compare patterns of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, ≥3.00 METs), light-intensity PA (LPA, 1.50–2.99 METs), and sedentary behavior (SB, <1.50 METs) in successful weight loss maintainers (WLM), normal weight controls (NC), and controls with overweight/obesity (OC). Methods Participants (18–65 years) were recruited in three groups: WLM (maintaining ≥13.6 kg weight loss for ≥1 year, n=30), NC (BMI matched to current BMI of WLM, n=33), and OC (BMI matched to pre-weight loss BMI of WLM, n=27) and wore the activPAL™ for one week. Results Compared to OC and NC, WLM spent more awake time in total MVPA (WLM: 9.6±3.9%, NC: 7.1±2.1%, OC 5.9±2.0%; p<0.01) and more time in sustained (≥10 minute) bouts of MVPA (WLM 39±33, NC 17±14, OC 9±11 minutes/day; p<0.01). Compared to OC, WLM and NC spent more awake time in LPA (WLM 29.6±7.9%, NC 29.1±8.3%, OC 24.8±6.7%; p=0.04) and less awake time sedentary (WLM 60.8±9.3%, NC 63.8±9.5%, OC 69.3±7.5%; p<0.01). Conclusion Results provide additional data supporting the important role of MVPA in weight loss maintenance, and suggest notable differences in LPA and SB between normal weight individuals and those with overweight/obesity. Increasing LPA and/or decreasing SB may be additional potential targets for weight management interventions.

Physical Activity Energy Expenditure and Total Daily Energy Expenditure in Successful Weight Loss Maintainers

“…The daily step counts observed in our sample of WLM were higher than 10,000 steps per day, a common public health recommendation for PA. These results are consistent with prior studies demonstrating higher levels of objectively measured PA in WLM compared with controls of both types . Further, in our study, objectively measured steps per day were significantly and positively correlated with relative PAEE in WLM and NC, but this correlation was not observed in OC.…”

“…Several studies have documented that long-term adherence to calorie-restricted diets is difficult (7)(8)(9). In contrast, results from observational studies (16)(17)(18)20) as well as from randomized controlled trials (14,19,22,35,36) have supported the view that PA is critically important for successful weight loss maintenance. The high levels of PAEE and TDEE observed in our sample of WLM suggest they rely on high levels of energy expended in PA (rather than chronic restriction of EI) to achieve energy balance at a reduced body weight.…”

“…Participants were asked to wear the device continuously for seven consecutive days. Data were considered valid and used for analysis if the device was worn for > 10 h/d of time spent awake on ≥ 4 days (including ≥ 1 weekend and ≥ 2 weekdays) as previously described .…”

“…REE was measured on days 1 and 8 of the free-living monitoring period and averaged to produce a single value for REE. Intraclass correlation Obesity 16 O for a given sample, then that sample was run again and only duplicate values that fell within this range were used. TBW was calculated as the average of…”

“…The "energy gap" theory proposed by Hill et al (10) states in part that the decline in TDEE with weight loss creates an energy gap that must be filled in order to remain in energy balance (and avoid weight regain) at a reduced body weight. Because high levels of PA are consistently associated with successful long-term weight loss maintenance (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), it is possible that successful weight loss maintainers (WLM) sustain high levels of PAEE to fill this gap. As a consequence of these high levels of PAEE, the EI required to match energy expenditure may be more feasible for weight-reduced individuals to comply with over the long term.…”