Behavioural determinants of daily energy intake during a 28 day outdoor expedition in Arctic Norway

Abstract

Background: Energy requirements during expeditions are often inadequately matched by concurrent energy intake, to the potential detriment of human health. Objective: This study investigated the behavioural determinants of daily energy intake (DEI) on expedition. The study was conducted primarily with a view to enhancing DEI in the expedition situation. Design: Twelve adolescents recorded energy intake, energy expenditure and various behavioural factors associated with energy intake concurrently for 28 days using adapted food diaries, while on expedition in Arctic Norway. Results: Data tested for reliability and validity (n=217) were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. Greater DEI was significantly independently associated with a greater number of eating occasions, greater time spent consuming, greater happiness before consuming and greater pleasantness of the food consumed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that energy intake on expedition can be enhanced by allowing plenty of opportunity and time for consuming, ensuring that morale remains high, and providing foods that are perceived as pleasant by those consuming. These practical suggestions could benefit human health and wellbeing in the expedition situation. Keywords: adolescents; eating situation; energy expenditure; energy intake; expedition; food consumed; food diaries