Abstract

ESQUIVEL, V et al. Energy expenditure and energy and macronutrient intake in obese women of fertile age. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.33, pp.40-46. ISSN 1409-1429.

A group of 90 women with overweight and obesity, residing in the area covered by the Program for Integral Attention in Health (PAIS) participated in this study. The following measurements were made: basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry, level of physical activity and intake of energy and macronutrients. There was a positive correlation between Body Mass Index and the basal metabolic rate for these women. Although a significant difference was found between the average basal metabolic expenditure of the group, as estimated by the Harris-Benedict equation and average basal metabolic expenditure as measured by indirect calorimetry, there was no significant difference between total energy expenditure as estimated by both methods. No significant difference was found between average energy expenditure and average energy intake for these women, suggesting a state of energy balance which is an adaption to the new physiological condition. According to the distribution of macronutrients, fat intake exceeded nutritional recommendations.

Keywords : Overweight; obesity; basal metabolic rate; indirect calorimetry; energy intake; macronutrients; physical activity.

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