Daily physical activity and diets of Japanese male home delivery drivers

Abstract

We conducted a five-day survey of physical activities and diet records for 12 male home delivery drivers in Japan. Their physical activities were measured by a portable accelerometer (Omron HJA-350 IT), which recorded energy consumption and the number of steps. We also collected the drivers’ daily diet records, calculated their daily energy intake and checked the patterns of every meal. The participants were split into two groups according to the differences between daily energy consumption and energy intake (1,000 kcal or more and less than 1,000 kcal). One-third of the estimated energy requirement of the target group accounted for approximately 1,000 kcal. Dietary patterns were then compared between the two groups. The average of the drivers’ energy consumption was 3,227±218kcal/day and the average energy in take was 2,451±671 kcal/day. Only one participant had enough energy intake; the others had lower energy intake than energy consumption. In examining dietary patterns, we found some different characteristics between the two groups. The group that showed a smaller difference between energy consumption and energy intake had more vegetables and protein. The other group, however, showed a bigger difference between energy consumption and energy intake had fewer vegetables and less protein. These results indicate that Japanese male home delivery drivers consume almost 3,000 kcal/day, and that drivers with higher energy intake follow a better diet.