Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the energy expenditure and energy intake of normal-weight and overweight Korean adults. We recruited 242 adults to determine resting energy expenditure, physical activity and energy intake. Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry. Energy intake for consecutive two days was assessed by 24 hour recall method. Daily activity pattern for 24 hour was collected from each subject. Body weight, lean body mass and percentage body fat were measured by INBODY 3.0. The subjects were divided into normal (20 < or = BMI < 25) and overweight (BMI > or = 25) groups by BMI. There was no significant difference in intake of energy between two groups. Energy intake of each group was lower than the 7th Korean RDA of energy. Overweight subjects showed significantly lower REE/kg body weight. However, REE/kg lean body mass (LBM) did not differ between the two groups. Total activity energy was significantly higher in the overweight group compared to the normal group. Daily activity coefficient of overweight group in male was lower than that of normal group. Daily activity coefficient was almost same in two female groups. LBM was highly correlated with REE and total energy expenditure. We concluded that the overweight group consumed more energy than the normal group due to the heavier body weight.

• Keywords: energy intake; resting energy expenditure; total activity energy; overweight