Evaluating Vermont's Diet and Physical Activity: A Comparison to National Guidelines
Rosato, Alicia
Rosato, Alicia
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Abstract
Chronic diseases are a growing concern across the United States, and dietary intake and physical activity are two modifiable risk factors that are frequently studied at the national level. Data from national surveys inform evidence syntheses and guidelines, however these surveys provide only limited insight into regional and location variation, highlighting the need for state-specific studies to capture differences. The objective of this study was to recruit Vermonters and collect dietary intake and physical activity data, and to use these data to assess how closely participants adhere to national dietary and physical activity recommendations. A random survey was conducted with adults between the ages of 19 and 59 living in Vermont. Participants completed three 24-hour dietary recalls via the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool, randomized over a two-week period. Participants also completed a physical activity questionnaire in REDCap documenting their daily and weekly time spent in moderate and vigorous activity. Dietary and physical activity data were then compared with national recommendations using descriptive analyses, including mean, standard deviation, and range. Protein intake was within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), carbohydrate intake was below the AMDR, and the fat intake was above it. The average Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score for participants was slightly below the national average reported by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In contrast, 96% of Vermont adults in this study met the recommended levels of physical activity. Compared with national nutrition and physical activity studies, Vermonters in this study showed lower alignment with national dietary recommendations, as reflected by lower HEI scores but higher adherence to national physical activity guidelines. These findings underscore the need for future nutrition research to recognize and address state-specific deviations from national dietary and physical activity guidelines.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Program/Major
Animal Science
College/School
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science