Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the ratio of energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE) and body composition, physical activity and macronutrients intake, considering maturity as a moderator.
Methods: The study involved 459 adolescents aged 10 to 17. Energy and macronutrients intake were estimated using a valid Food Frequency Questionnaire; basal metabolic rate (BMR) was predicted from Schofield equations and EE was estimated using BMR and physical activity level obtained through a Portuguese validated biosocial questionnaire. Body mass index, body composition, and bone age were objectively measured. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, ANCOVA and Pearson correlations. All analyses were adjusted for chronological age, sex, and EI.
Results: Body mass index, fat and fat-free mass, physical activity and protein intake were negatively correlated with EI/EE (P < .001). The study showed significant interactions between maturity and body mass index, fat-free mass and physical activity level. Maturity attenuated the negative relationships between EI/EE and body mass index, fat-free mass and physical activity, especially among early maturers. All categories of maturity showed implications in body mass index for values lower than 23.8 kg/m2 . A significant EI/EE reduction was observed among late maturers with a fat-free mass above 39.8 kg.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maturity moderates the relationship between EI/EE and body mass index, fat-free mass and physical activity, especially evident among late maturers.
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