Analysis of Progressive Energy Compensation during a 15-day Expedition in the cold

• Main Authors: Charlot, Keyne, Famel, Camille, Siracusa, Julien, Colin, Philippe, Bourrilhon, Cyprien
• Other Authors: Laboratoire de Biologie de l'Exercice pour la Performance et la Santé (LBEPS), Service de Santé des Armées-Université d'Évry-Val-d'Essonne (UEVE)-Université Paris-Saclay-Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées Brétigny-sur-Orge (IRBA), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées Antenne Marseille (IRBA)
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2020
• Subjects: [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; Greenland
• Online Access: https://hal.science/hal-04483267

International audience Purpose: Multi-days expeditions/trainings in the cold are characterized by negative energy balance leading to body mass loss. However, an accurate and frequent measurement of several components of eating behavior has never been realized to understand how soldiers adapt to high levels of physical activities in the cold. Methods: Twelve French soldiers realized a 15-d ski expedition in Greenland (150 km; -24 to -11 °C) and brought 15 bags of foods that were beforehand appreciated by the participants (4700 kcal). They had the possibility to give or exchange food items. Each day, in a paper notebook, they had to report the food and beverages consumed and the time of intake to calculate a posteriori energy and macronutrient intake. Appetite was assessed using visual analog scales before breakfast and dinner. Energy expenditure was calculated using continuous heart rate measurements. The reward value of food was measured at the end of each 4 periods using the food preference questionnaire. A body mass and composition measurement was done just before and the day after the expedition. The 15 days were cut in 3 parts (D1-D5; D6-D10 and D11-D15).Results: Slight decreases in body mass (-0.9 ± 1.1 kg, p = 0.020) and body fat mass (-1.7 ± 1.5 kg, p = 0.002) were observed. Energy intake and balance were higher during D11-D15 than D1-D5 (p = 0.003) and D1-D10 (p < 0.001), respectively. No difference in relative macronutrient intake was observed but participants specifically increased their energy intake between 06:00 and 14:00 during D11-D15 compared to D1-D5 (p < 0.001). Besides, we observed that intake was fractioned in 6 to 8 meals/snacks per day. Hunger in the morning (p = 0.030) and thirst scores in the morning and the evening (p = 0.003 and < 0.0011, respectively) were higher during D6-D15 than D1-D5. Liquid intake was yet not modified during the expedition. Food preference in sweet foods increased during D11-D15 compared to D1-D5 (p = 0.048).Conclusions: Ten days of expedition in the ...