Physical activity and preference for selected macronutrients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The impact of physical exercise on macronutrient preferences was examined with a perspective to improve preventive and therapeutic strategies of obesity. DESIGN: The literature was reviewed pertaining to the acute effects of physical activity and the short-term and chronic effects of exercise training on macronutrient preferences. RESULTS: The presently available literature does not permit to establish a consensus regarding the impact of physical activity, be it acute or long-term, on macronutrient selection. However, one observation stands out and that is the fact that dietary fat intake needs to be controlled in order for exercise to produce a negative energy and fat balance. CONCLUSION: Because active individuals do not systematically choose foods that are low in fat content, it is important to provide nutritional guidelines in a context where physical activity aims at reducing or better controlling body weight.