Relationship between metabolic equivalent expenditure and body composition in a vulnerable population: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective We analyzed the relationship between Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) and body composition indicators in fishermen in northern Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in three fishing communities in the state of Tocantins, northern Brazil. Participants were recruited through local fishing colonies using a convenience sampling strategy. Fishermen and fisherwomen aged 18 years or older were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by previously trained researchers. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], and abdominal perimeter) and tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis (body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, and basal metabolic rate). Physical activity was estimated using METs derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version, considering walking, moderate, and vigorous activities. Spearman’s correlation and interquartile regression analyses were performed, with a significance level set at 5%. Results A total of 64 fishermen were included, most of whom were male, worked more than 12 h per day, and belonged to low economic classes (D–E), with a median age of 51 years. In regression analyses, only METs from vigorous activities were significantly associated with body composition, showing an inverse association with fat percentage ( β = − 0.07; p = 0.017). No significant associations were observed for BMI or abdominal perimeter. Conclusions Although the physical effort of work appears to lead to a high level of MET, we observed that only vigorous activity was associated with a decrease in fat percentage.