With the summertime activities of BBQs and roasting marshmallows over the fire coming to an end for another year and the onslaught of the Holiday feasts upon us, it is probably safe to assume the thought of what these times of overeating may mean for us individuals long-term. This is exactly what was researched in a recent study at Linkoping Univeristy, Sweden.
The project consisted of monitoring a group of men and women around the age of twenty-six who increased their consumption of food calories while reducing or limiting their intake of physical activity. "18 men and women, average age 26, increased their energy intake by about 70% and caped their physical activity at no more than 5,000 steps a day for four weeks." 1 This increase of food calories would equate to an average of 4,000 calories per day of non-healthy foods such as hamburgers, pizza and fries. Once the four weeks were completed, the participants would be re-evaluated again six, twelve and eighteen months after. In addition to the follow-up the group was compared to another group of 18 men and women around the same age who did not increase their food caloric intake nor were restricted to the amount of physical activities participated. From this such statistics were observed:
- The feasting group gained an average of 14 pounds after their one-month binge, while body weight overall in the comparison group stayed the same.
- At six months, the feasting participants had lost about 50% of the weight gain but still had higher body weight than they did at the study start. Five participants had returned to nearly the weight they had at the start.
- At 12 months, the overall weight of the feasting group was still higher than at the study start.
- At 2.5 years, the weight of the comparison groups was the same overall, but those in the feasting group had a further rise. The average weight at study start – 149lbs-- had risen to an average of 160lbs.
- Fat mass also increased in those who feasted – from 20% of total body weight to nearly 24% after one month. At 12 months, it went down to 22.6% but was still higher than at the study start. 2
The results are profound and sadly, not startling, but what can we glean from these unquestionable numbers? As many individuals are bombarded with high fat, high caloric food options, and then undertake poor eating habits and less and less consistent physical activity, the four weeks of these 18 young men and women are are not to far from an average American. There are always going to be times where you might over indulge in a special holiday meal, but it is important to limit the frequency of this occurrence while maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. This is crucial not only from a weight management perspective but from a health risk preventative perspective as well. For as this study shows, once the weight and health risks are developed, it is not irreversible but challenging to do so. Thus, creating a preventative mentality is the best advice for everyone.
1. Doheny, K. (2010) Short-term overeating has lasting impact. WebMDHealth. Retrieved 15th September, 2010 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/727582
2. Doheny, K. (2010) Short-term overeating has lasting impact.
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