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Energy metabolism in relation to body composition and gender in adolescents
E G van Mil1, K R Westerterp, A D Kester
1Departments of Human Biology and Paediatrics, Nutrition Toxicology and Environment Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, Netherlands. g.vanmil@hb.unimaas.nl
Objective:
To study the effect of body composition on average daily metabolic rate (ADMR) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in adolescence, and to examine current BMR prediction equations.
Study:
Dutch adolescents were pooled with previously reported American and British subjects (n = 90 overall). BMR and ADMR were analysed by multiple regression.
Results:
Fat-free mass, BMR, and ADMR were higher in the obese than in the non-obese group (mean (SD): 53.2 (10.7) kg, 8.35 (1.57) MJ/d, and 13.64 (2.78) MJ/d, compared with 41.0 (8.1) kg, 6.42 (0.94) MJ/d, and 11.16 (2.21) MJ/d, respectively). BMR remained higher when adjusted for fat-free mass, age, and sex. ADMR adjusted for BMR was similar in the two groups. WHO equations overestimated BMR in obese boys and underestimated BMR in non-obese boys.
Conclusions:
BMR, but not activity, is increased in obese adolescents and in male adolescents. The WHO BMR equations for adults are recommended for obese adolescents.