Physical Activity Patterns During Weight Maintenance Following a Low-energy Density Dietary Intervention

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the role of physical activity (PA) and energy intake on weight maintenance among former University of Alabama at Birmingham EatRight Weight Management Program participants. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Eighty-nine former participants completed follow-up visits >=1 year after completing EatRight. BMI was calculated using measured height and weight. Diet intake was estimated from 4-day food records. PA was assessed using a module from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. Cut-off points were chosen based on the distribution of minutes of activity. For moderate and total activity, cut-off points were 0, 1 to 30, 31 to 60, and >60 minutes. For vigorous activity, the categories were 0, 1 to 20, 21 to 30, and >30 minutes. General linear models determined the association of PA with change in weight at follow-up controlling for gender and total energy intake (kcal/d). RESULTS: At follow-up, 80% (n = 71) of participants maintained (regained