Influence of urbanisation on physical activity and dietary changes in Huli-speaking population: a comparative study of village dwellers and migrants in urban settlements

The influence of urbanisation on physical activity and dietary changes was examined in a Papua New Guinea Highland population. Adult male and female subjects (n 56) were selected, including twenty-seven rural villagers and twenty-nine urban migrants. BMR was calculated from values measured in similar samples of Huli-speaking population, according to gender and body weight. Total daily energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed by 24 h heart rate (HR) monitoring (flex-HR method) and physical activity level (PAL) calculation was based on BMR. Energy, protein and fat intakes were measured by weighing food on a single day. Urban subjects were heavier and taller than their rural counterparts; significant differences were found in stature in men (P < 0.05) and body weight in women (P < 0.05). Urban subjects had longer sedentary periods (HR I flex-MR) and shorter active periods (HR > flex-MR) than rural subjects. Consequently, the former had lower TEE and PAL than the latter; significant differences were found in women (TEE, P < 0.05, PAL, P < 0.01) but not in men. Total daily energy intake and TEE were well balanced (<7 %) in all groups, whereas protein and fat intakes were considerably higher in urban subjects than rural subjects. Reduced PAL and increased fat intake by urban dwellers may increase the risks of obesity and chronic degenerative diseases.