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Seasonal changes in 24-h and basal energy expenditures in rural Gambian men as measured in a respiration chamber

1991; Elsevier BV; Volume: 53; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/ajcn/53.1.14

1938-3207

Gianni Minghelli, Y. Schütz, Roger C. Whitehead, E Jéquier,

Muscle metabolism and nutrition

Adaptation of 24-h energy expenditure (24-h EE) to seasonal variations in food availability was studied, by using a respiration chamber, in 18 rural Gambian men on three occasions: period 1—at the end of the rainy season, which is characterized by low food availability; period 2—during the nutritionally favorable dry season; and period 3—at the onset of the following rainy season. From periods 1 to 2 body weight increased by 2.8 ± 0.4 kg, and a rise in 24-h EE was observed (from 8556 ± 212 kJ/d to 9166 ± 224 kJ/d), which was correlated to weight change (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). During period 3, 24-h EE averaged 8740 ± 194 kJ/d. Diet-induced thermogenesis increased significantly from periods 1 to 2 (5.9 ± 0.5% to 8.2 ± 0.8%) and subsequently decreased to 3.6 ± 0.6% during period 3. In rural Gambian men, metabolic adaptations in response to seasonal changes in food availability are reflected by a decrease in body weight, mainly manifested by a loss of fat-free mass accompanied by a decreased 24-h EE and a lowered diet-induced thermogenesis.