Energy Imbalance Gap, Anthropometric Measures, Lifestyle, and Sociodemographic Correlates in Latin American Adults—Results from the ELANS Study

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are often explained by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. This, in addition to metabolic effects, makes it difficult to assess the real state of individual energy balance. This study aims to analyze the energy gaps between intake and expenditure in the adult population of Latin America, as well as its relationships with sociodemographic variables and nutrition status, to draw an epidemiological perspective based on the trends observed. The energy imbalance gap was used to this end. The difference between energy intake and expenditure can be applied as a reference to explain whether weight equilibrium can prevent weight gain. Moreover, the energy imbalance gap allows for a better understanding of the design of public health policies. Using data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, the energy imbalance gap in adult population from eight Latin-American countries was assessed in 5994 subjects aged from 19–65. Usual dietary intake was measured using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. The sociodemographic questionnaire was supplemented by anthropometric measurements. Physical activity was measured through the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Energy expenditure was obtained using the basal metabolic rate. For the overall sample, the mean energy intake was 1939.1 kcal (95% CI: 1926.9; 1951.3), the mean of energy expenditure was 1915.7 kcal (95% CI: 1906.4; 1924.9), and the mean of energy imbalance gap was 23.4 kcal (95% CI: 11.9; 35.0). Results show that energy intake and expenditure were higher in men. Moreover, subjects aged 19–34, of high socioeconomic level, who completed high school, were mestizos and were of normal weight consumed the highest number of calories. Overall, a positive energy imbalance gap was observed. Overweight and obese from Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela showed a significantly lower energy imbalance gap than underweight subjects. These findings confirm the high variability of energy imbalance gap and the accompanying correlates of energy intake and expenditure. Further research is needed to specifically address interventions in low and middle-income countries such as many in Latin America, to help reduce the prevalence of obesity and eradicate undernutrition.

Energy imbalance gap was associated with body mass index and sex in Latin American adolescents—results from the ELANS study

“…Thus, if a negative number is obtained, it is because the EE exceeds the EI, whereas if the EI is above the EE, a positive number is obtained ( 5 , 18 ).…”

“…Additionally, they are longitudinal rather than cross-sectional studies, which limits their applicability for direct comparison of results. On the other hand, the authors’ previous experience with adults in LA ( 5 ), found that overall EIG was positive, meaning people consumed more energy than they were expended. This was more pronounced in men and people with higher socioeconomic status.…”

“…The energy imbalance gap (EIG) is defined as the average daily difference between EI and EE ( 4 ). Therefore, a positive energy imbalance gap arises when EI is greater than EE, whereas a negative energy imbalance gap occurs when EE exceeds EI ( 5 ) by applying the First Law of Thermodynamics (energy conservation principle) ( 6 ). This approach is simple and easy to remember by the general population; therefore, it is commonly used for educational purposes in public health, especially in dietary guidelines ( 7 , 8 ), and it represents a driver for the changes observed in BMI of overweight and obese individuals, and allow to follow epidemiologic trends within a given population ( 9 ).…”

“…To date, only a limited number of studies have examined EIG in a large population ( 4 , 5 , 9 , 18 ), finding heterogeneity in EIG by ethnicity, sex, and body mass index (BMI) in adults. Fallah-Fini et al ( 4 ) quantified the dynamics of the EIG among New Zealand adults over 3 decades using a new population-level system dynamics model.…”

Metabolic responses to acute sprint interval exercise training performed after an oral 75‐gram glucose load in individuals with overweight/obesity

“…Few studies have investigated the acute effect of exercise on people with overweight/obesity, a group that includes the majority of the Colombian adult population, owing to their sedentary behavior and poor health and diet (Ferrari et al, 2022; García et al, 2022). The need for more specific recommendations for at‐risk individuals prompted the present randomized crossover trial, which aimed which.…”