[Energy expenditure of healthy adults engaged in light activities in Southern China measured by energy balance method].

OBJECTIVE

To measure the energy expenditure of healthy adults engaged in light activities in southern China, and to provide reference database for revising Chinese RNI.

METHODS

Thirty four healthy adults eligible for the energy metabolic experiment were selected. A 3-day recycled dietary prescription was designed. The food intake of all foods per person per meal were weighed and recorded, and the energy intake from diets was determined by chemical analysis. The energy expenditure was calculated by combining the change of body weight and dietary consumption.

RESULTS

The average energy intake was (8424 +/- 1616) kJ/d [(2013 +/- 386) kcal/d], which was (9990 +/- 798) kJ/d [(2388 +/- 191) kcal/d] for men and (7032 +/- 384)kJ/d [(1681 +/- 92) kcal/d] for women. The average change of body weight of all subjects in 16 days was reduced 0.02 kg, the men increased 0.15 kg, and the women decreased 0.17 kg. According to the energy balance principle, the ultimate energy expenditure of healthy adults in southern China was (8468 +/- 1762) kJ/d [(2024 +/- 421) kcal/d], the men was (9680 +/- 1759) kJ/d [(2314 +/- 420) kcal/d], and the women was (7391 +/- 827) kJ/d [(1767 +/- 198) kcal/d].

CONCLUSIONS

The energy expenditure of healthy adult male engaged in light activities in southern China was 9680 +/- 1759 kJ/d [(2314 +/- 420 kcal/d)], and that of female was 7391 +/- 827 kJ/d [(1767 +/- 198 kcal/d)]. The energy expenditure of men and women measured in this study were 86kcal and 333kcal lower than the Chinese energy RNI (2400kcal and 2100 kcal) established in 2000.