Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the energy expenditure of normal-weight and overweight Korean middle-aged women (40-60 yr). Middle-aged oveweight ($BMI\;{\geq}\;25$, n= 20) and normal-weight women were ($BMI\;{\leq}\;23$, n = 20) were recruited in Seoul. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, energy intake, daily activity time, and energy costs of some daily activities were measured. Energy expenditure at rest and while reading the newspaper, washing dishes, mopping the floor, and walking on a treadmill at 1.0, 2.0, 3.5mph were measured by indirect calorimeter and total daily energy expenditure was estimated by summation of energy costs of different activities. The overweight group had significantly higher values of body weight, triceps skinfold thickness, thigh circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, WTR, WHR, body surface area, percentage body fat, fat mass, fat free mass (FFM), and muscle mass compared to normal-weight group. The energy intakes of both groups were close to RDA and other nutrient intake status was also satisfactory. There were no significant differences in intakes of energy and nutrients between the two groups. Overweight subjects showed lower energy expenditure per kg body weight for reading the newspaper, washing dishes and mopping the floor, and walking on a treadmill at 2.0 and 3.5 mph, however, energy expenditure per kg FFM did not differ between the two groups. Daily energy expenditure for all activities was significantly higher in the overweight compared to the normal-weight group due to higher body weight. Both overweight and normal-weight groups showed negative energy balance between energy intake and energy expenditure, and there was no significant difference in energy balance between the two roups. Total daily energy expenditure correlated highly with FFM and body surface area. The result of present study does not offer an explanation on the energy imbalance and weight gain of overweight women.