Energy metabolism in relation to body composition and gender in adolescents.
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.


METHODS
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.
van Mil
E G
EG
Departments 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
Westerterp
K R
KR
Kester
A D
AD
Saris
W H
WH
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D003903:Deuterium / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors
D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D003903:Deuterium