Energy expenditure among farmers in developing countries: what do we know?

Area of Science:

• Human physiology
• Anthropology
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Overweight and obesity trends in developing nations are often attributed to reduced energy expenditure during urbanization.
• Farming populations are generally presumed to have high energy expenditure levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on energy expenditure in farming populations in developing countries.
• To analyze variability in energy expenditure among different human groups, focusing on women farmers in Colombia and Brazil.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on energy expenditure in farming populations.
• Calculation and comparison of Physical Activity Level (PAL) values.
• Ethnographic case studies of women farmers in Colombia and Brazil.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed farming populations exhibit moderate to high Physical Activity Level (PAL) values.
• Male farmers generally show higher PAL values and greater seasonal variation than female farmers.
• Significant variability in physical activity patterns and PAL values exists among women farmers due to social, cultural, and ecological factors.

Conclusions:

• Farming lifestyles in developing countries involve substantial energy expenditure, often at the high end of the moderate range.
• Individual and group differences in energy expenditure are influenced by complex behavioral, social, cultural, and environmental factors, not solely by occupation.
• Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurately assessing energy balance and the drivers of obesity in diverse populations.