Weight and body composition change over a six-week holiday period

Abstract

Change in weight and body composition was assessed over a six-week holiday period. Baseline testing occurred the Monday or Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving Day (November 24 or 25, 2008), and the post-holiday assessment was the Monday or Tuesday after New Year's Day (January 5 or 6, 2009). Thirteen men and 21 women ranging in age from 23-61 years completed the study. The majority of participants (24 of 34) perceived that they had gained weight, and four did gain ≥2 kg. However, despite some changes to dietary and exercise habits, on average there was no difference between pre-holiday weight (74.0±17.8 kg) and post-holiday weight (73.9±18.1 kg), nor between pre-holiday body fat percentage (25.4±9.0%) and post-holiday body fat percentage (25.4±8.9%). Despite a perception of substantial weight gain, body weight and body fat remained unchanged over a six-week holiday period.

The effect of Norouz holiday on anthropometric measures and body composition

“…In the other study on subjects a significant, though small, increase in waist circumference was observed [15]. …”

“…However, in another study conducted on students in University of Oklahoma-Norman campus; no significant weight gain was observed [4]. One more study showed that in overweight and obese people, weight gain is more significant than those with normal weight [4,15]. This study also found that subjects who have had weight gain, usually may return to their previous weight within a short time, but over time, their body fat increases without changing in BMI [4,15].…”

“…One more study showed that in overweight and obese people, weight gain is more significant than those with normal weight [4,15]. This study also found that subjects who have had weight gain, usually may return to their previous weight within a short time, but over time, their body fat increases without changing in BMI [4,15]. Racette et al measured body weight in 48 subjects in all year and found that the subjects gained weight averaged 3 g/d, but in weekend gained weight 60 g/d [16].…”

“…More studies have usually only measured body weight, however in Hull et al and Wagner et al studies body composition was also considered [4,15]. The results showed a small decrease in the percentage of body fat decrease which is probably due to the small sample size.…”

“…There is also a positive association between body weight and fat mass, which coincided with increased body weight, body fat increases [4]. Wagner et al observed no significant differences in percent of body fat before and after 6 weeks [15]. …”