Association of body mass index, physical activity and eating pattern in adult men

The associations between the degree of obesity, food intake, eating attitudes and behaviors and physical activity were evaluated in 500 men employees by the Public Transport Company (AMT) of Genova, Italy. The degree of obesity was evaluated by self reported body weight and stature values, eating habits and pattern by a questionnaire designed for subjects with Mediterranean eating style. Considering all behaviors, body mass index values were positively associated with usually eating sauces and well dressed food, and negatively connected with the behaviors being careful about what and how much is eaten and spending the weekly leisure time in physical activities. This study failed to evidence any specific eating pattern for overweight persons and suggests the main role of cognitive factors in determining body weight. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.