Weight and body composition change over a six-week holiday period
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Eating & Weight Disorders
Volume
17
Issue
1
Publisher
PubMed
Publication Date
3-1-2012
First Page
54
Last Page
56
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.
Recommended Citation
Wagner DR, Larson JN, & Wengreen H. (2012). Weight and body composition change over a six-week holiday period. Eating & Weight Disorders. 17:e54-e56.