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Sex differences in eating behavior during military training
Author(s) -
Lutz Laura J,
Karl J Philip,
Cable Sonya J,
Williams Kelly W,
Young Andrew J,
McClung James P
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.812.7
Subject(s) - calorie , food frequency questionnaire , food intake , medicine , zoology , eating behavior , food science , biology , obesity
Initial military training provides an ad libitum feeding environment with controlled food choices. Sex differences in eating behavior during military training have not been investigated. Usual dietary intake was subjectively measured using a validated, quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Male (n=83) and female (n=66) Soldiers (23 ± 5 yr [mean ± SD]) completed the FFQ at the beginning of basic combat training (BCT), reporting dietary intake over the previous 3 months, and at the end of BCT, reporting dietary intake over the 10‐wk course. In men, energy intake (EI) during BCT was greater than EI prior to the training (24.4 ± 13.4 v. 28.1 ± 10.7 kcal/kg, P < 0.05). The increase in EI was due to increased intake of carbohydrate from fruits, vegetables, and grains (P < 0.05). EI by women did not change during the training (28.6 ± 18.0 v. 27.2 ± 10.1 kcal/kg, P > 0.05). During BCT women increased fruit, vegetable and grain intake, but maintained total EI by decreasing fat consumption (P < 0.05). Calories from protein, and meat and dairy servings were unchanged during the training for both sexes; however females consumed less meat servings than males during the course (P < 0.05). Sex differences in eating behavior were apparent during BCT. These findings may suggest sex differences in eating attitudes and beliefs and the physiological response to military training. Research supported by MRMC.