The purpose of the present study was to analyse the lipid profile in men and women differentiated according to energy expenditure during sports participation (EESPORT), energy expenditure during active leisure time (EEALT) and overall energy expenditure (EETOTAL).

The subjects were grouped by sex, age, EESPORT, EEALT and EETOTAL. Group differences were analysed using analyses of covariance with BMI and alcohol consumption as covariates.

Physical activity was assessed using the Flemish Physical Activity Computerised Questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and the ratio TC:HDL-C.

The study sample consisted of 1170 Flemish men and women between 18 and 75 years of age.

Differences in lipid profile were observed in the younger age group (<45 years), all in favour of the most active group. More specifically, when differentiating by EEALT and EETOTAL, men had a healthier lipid profile for TAG, HDL-C and TC:HDL-C. Differentiation according to EESPORT revealed the same significant results except for TAG. In women significant results for HDL-C, LDL-C and TC:HDL-C were found when differentiated by EESPORT.

Men and women <45 years of age with higher levels of energy expenditure due to sport show a better lipid profile than their sedentary counterparts. When differentiating subjects according to energy expenditure during active leisure time or overall energy expenditure, only in men was a healthier lipid profile observed in favour of the most active subjects.