TOTAL-ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN YOUNG-CHILDREN

Measurement of total energy expenditure (TEE) in young children is now possible without interfering with or influencing lifestyle. Such data allow direct comparison with recommendations for energy requirements which have hitherto been based on measurements of energy intake. Evalu ation of the current world data of measured TEE in children aged 1-6 y ears shows a consistent pattern despite originating from different lab oratories. Data from 225 children reveal that energy expenditure is, o n average, about 20% below current international recommendations. It i s postulated that the reduction is probably due to changes in levels o f habitual activity, which may have potentially important effects on h ealth, and which need to be monitored carefully. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.