Energy expenditure and energy intake in 10-12 years obese and non-obese Chinese children in a Guangzhou boarding school.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to observe the variation of energy intake and energy expenditure in the obese Chinese children.


METHODS
Basic metabolic rate was measured by using open-circuit indirect calorimetry in 54 obese children and 60 non-obese children aged 10-12 years in a full- time boarding school in Guangzhou suburb, China. Total energy expenditure was estimated by using a factorial method. Dietary intake was surveyed by the weighed inventory method. Physical activity was determined using a 2-day activity diary.


RESULTS
Univariate analysis showed that basic metabolic rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in obese children than in non-obese ones, but the significant difference disappeared after controlling for fat free mass and fat mass. Energy intake and total energy expenditure were significantly higher (p<0.05) in obese than in non-obese children. Obese children spent more time in sleeping and light physical activity, but less time in moderate physical activity and vigorous physical activity than non-obese children (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to non-obese children, both energy intake and expenditure were higher in obese Chinese children. It appears that an area for preventive strategies may be to encourage increased physical activity expenditure in this age group.
Zhang
Cai-Xia
CX
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
Chen
Yu-Ming
YM
Chen
Wei-Qing
WQ
Deng
Xue-Qing
XQ
Jiang
Zhuo-Qin
ZQ
D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002648:Child; D002681:China; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013851:Thinness / Q000378:metabolism*