Changes in energy and macronutrients in 871 middle-aged men during 10 years of follow-up (the Zutphen Study)

Abstract

In the Zutphen Study a longitudinal dietary survey was carried out among 871 middle-aged men. In 1960, 1965, and 1970, food intake data were collected using the cross-check dietary history method. During 10 yr of follow-up, body weight increased by about 3.5 kg and the energy intake decreased by about 450 kcal. The decrease in energy intake was paralleled by large decreases in vegetable, total protein, polysaccharides, total carbohydrates, and dietary fiber intake and a large increase in alcohol intake. These changes were statistically significant. Men who were on a diet prescribed by their family physician or specialist ate about 500 kcal less than men who were not on a diet. In 1970, the energy intake of men aged 65 to 69 who were not on a prescribed diet was 200 to 300 kcal lower than that of their counterparts aged 50 to 64. Multivariate analyses confirmed that prescribed diet and age were significantly related to energy intake. Men aged 50 to 59 decreased their energy intake by about 300 kcal between 1960 and 1970.