Energy Intake and Resting Energy Expenditure of Middle-aged Obese Korean Women

Seo, Young Won; Lee, Hea Jin; Yun, Kyung Eun; Park, Hye Soon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity in Korea, studies concerning resting energy expenditure are scarce. In this study, we tried to study the relationship between obesity and energy balance in middle-aged women
METHODS
We recruited women who were above 40 years old and had visited the out patient clinic of Family Medicine department at an university affiliated hospital and agreed to participate in this study. Patients with metabolic diseases or on medications which could affect their metabolism were excluded from the study. Twenty obese women (BMI > or = 25) and 18 normal weight women (18.5 < BMI < 23) were recruited. The subjects' height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Bioelectric impedance analyzer was used to measure body fat percent, fat mass, and fat free mass. Food frequency questionnaire was used for assessing energy intake. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using Indirect Calorimeter.
RESULTS
Compared to the normal weight group, the obese group showed a higher daily energy intake and higher ratio of fat and protein intake but no difference was noted in energy intake/body weight. The obese group had a significantly lower Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)/ body weight compared to the normal weight group. The value obtained by subtracting REE from total energy intake was significantly higher among the obese group. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, lower REE/body weight was the only significant correlating factor to increasing BMI.
CONCLUSION
REE/ body weight was inversely related to BMI In middle-aged women. It may be safe to conclude that the low REE/body weight may be the causing factor of obesity for middle-aged women.