Sex Specificities in the Association Between Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition Among the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Florence, Italy

Nora de Bonfioli Cavalcabo’, Luigi Facchini, Melania Assedi, Ilaria Ermini, Flavia Cozzolino, Emma Bortolotti, Calogero Saieva, Davide Biagiotti, Elisa Pastore, Benedetta Bendinelli, Giovanna Masala and Saverio Caini ()
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Nora de Bonfioli Cavalcabo’: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Luigi Facchini: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Melania Assedi: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Ilaria Ermini: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Flavia Cozzolino: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Emma Bortolotti: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Calogero Saieva: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Davide Biagiotti: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Elisa Pastore: Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Benedetta Bendinelli: Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Giovanna Masala: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
Saverio Caini: Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-16

Abstract: The rising prevalence of elderly obesity in developed countries poses a public health challenge, since body composition changes during aging are associated with higher risks of chronic diseases. We cross-sectionally explored the relationship between diet, physical activity, and sex-specific differences in body composition among 378 elderly previously enrolled in the Florence European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Information on dietary habits and lifestyle was collected through validated questionnaires. Adherence to the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Greek Modified Mediterranean Diet (GMMD) a priori dietary patterns was calculated. Anthropometric measures were taken by trained personnel, and body composition parameters were estimated via bioelectrical impedance. In age- and energy-intake-adjusted regression models, adherence to the DASH and IMI patterns was associated with healthier body composition among women, while no significant relationship emerged among men. Fitness activities and total recreational physical activity revealed positive associations with healthier body composition (lower % fat mass, higher % muscle mass, and reduced waist circumference) in both sexes. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of diet and physical activity on body composition in the elderly and underscore the need for sex-specific interventions for promoting healthy aging.

Keywords: dietary patterns; physical activity; anthropometry; body composition; elderly; sex differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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