Author(s): AERENHOUTS, D., D'HONDT, J., DELIENS, T., MATHYS, J., CLARYS, P., Institution: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, Country: BELGIUM, Abstract-ID: 2310

INTRODUCTION:
The EAT-Lancet diet is a reference dietary guideline developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission (Willett et al., 2019), designed to adopt a diet that supports both human health and environmental sustainability. Individuals with higher levels of physical activity have increased energy and nutrient requirements, which will likely impact the EAT-Lancet index (ELI) score. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ELI of habitual dietary intake in healthy male and female adults is associated with their energy intake and energy expenditure.
METHODS:
A total of 101 participants were included, comprising 51 males (23.5 + 1.6 years) and 50 females (24.6 + 1.4 years). Participants recorded all their food intake and physical activities during 3 consecutive days (i.e., 1 weekend day and 2 weekdays). Dietary diaries were analyzed with the Belgian food databank NUBEL, allowing the calculation of energy intake and the ELI score, following the formula proposed by Stubbendorf et al. (2022). Energy expenditure was calculated using metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values (Ainsworth et al., 2011). Pearson (parametric) and Spearman (non-parametric) correlation analyses were used to examine associations between the ELI score and energy intake and expenditure. Participants were further categorized into three ELI-based groups: LOW (<17), MODERATE (18–21), and HIGH (>22). Group differences in energy expenditure and intake were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (parametric) or Kruskal Wallis test (non-parametric). Alpha was set at 0.05.
RESULTS:
A significant negative association (ρ = -0.34) was observed between ELI and energy intake. Similarly, a significant negative association (ρ = -0.27) was observed between ELI and energy expenditure. Furthermore, energy intake was significantly higher in the LOW (2652 ± 801 Kcal) compared to both the MODERATE (2089 ± 611 kcal) and HIGH (2074 ± 557 kcal) ELI group. Energy expenditure was significantly higher in the LOW (3267 ± 948 Kcal) compared to both the MODERATE (3011 ± 666 kcal) and HIGH (2657 ± 507 kcal) ELI group.
CONCLUSION:
Higher energy intake and expenditure were associated with lower ELI scores. These findings suggest that individuals who are more physically active may face greater challenges in following a diet that is both healthy and environmentally sustainable. Consequently, strategies are needed that balance the trade-offs between a nutritious, sustainable diet and the energy demands of physical activity.

REFERENCES
1. Willett, W. et al. Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. Lancet. 2019; 393:447-492.
2. Stubbendorff, A. et al. Development of an EAT–Lancet index and its relation to mortality in a Swedish population. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022; 115:705-716.
3. Ainsworth B.E. et al. Compendium of Physical Activities: a second update of codes and MET values. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011; 43(8):1575-81.