Exploring Energy Expenditure And Physical Activity Changes Following A Daily Avocado Randomized Controlled Trial

The global rise in overweight and obesity has heightened the need for effective interventions targeting both dietary habits and physical activity (PA). While energy-dense foods are often linked to weight gain, nutrient-dense foods, like avocados, may uniquely improve metabolic processes and indirectly PA behaviors. PURPOSE: To determine if daily avocado consumption influences resting energy expenditure (REE), PA, and sedentary behavior in adults with overweight and obesity. We hypothesized that avocados, rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, would enhance energy expenditure and have unintentional positive influence on PA and sedentary behavior. METHODS: Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Persea Americana for Total Health (PATH) randomized controlled trial. 163 adults aged 25-45 years with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were randomized to an intervention group consuming a daily meal with Hass avocado, or a control group with an isocaloric meal without avocado. REE was measured via indirect calorimetry (Parvo Medics TrueOne® 2400). PA and sedentary behavior were measured with ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers worn on the hip for seven days. Outcomes included REE, sedentary time, light, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and step counts. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and energy intake were used for analysis. RESULTS: No significant group differences were observed for REE, sedentary behavior, or PA outcomes. However, sex and BMI were significant predictors. Males had higher REE (β = 0.97, p < .001) and MVPA (β = 0.51, p = .01), while females engaged more in light PA (β = -0.57, p < .001). BMI was positively associated with REE (β = 0.56, p < .001) and inversely with vigorous PA (β = -0.19, p = .04). Moderate PA was associated with energy intake (β = 0.16, p = 0.02). No significant group-by-time interactions were detected. CONCLUSION: Daily avocado intake did not significantly impact REE, sedentary behavior, or PA levels. However, sex and BMI significantly influenced these outcomes, highlighting the need for personalized approaches that integrate both dietary and PA strategies. Future research should explore tailored interventions that address these individual factors to optimize weight management and metabolic health. Supported by: The research was funded by the Hass Avocado Board. Shreya Verma received a summer research stipend from the Hass Avocado Board's Avocado Nutrition Center.