RESTING METABOLIC-RATE AND THERMAL EFFECT OF A MEAL IN THE FOLLICULARAND LUTEAL PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE IN WELL-NOURISHED INDIAN WOMEN

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) and thermic effect of a standard test meal (TEM) were measured twice each during the follicular and luteal phases (confirmed by plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradi ol) of a single menstrual cycle, and once during the follicular phase of the following menstrual cycle, by using indirect calorimetry, in 13 well-nourished Indian women. There was a significant increase in the TEM (P < 0.05) (6.72 +/- 1.57% vs 7.96 +/- 1.48% of the energy content of the test meal for follicular and luteal phases, respectively) of 1 8.5% during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle but no significant difference in the RMR or postmeal total energy output (PMTEO). Dietar y energy and macronutrient intakes in all subjects in both phases of t he menstrual cycle were also similar. The RMR and the PMTEO were also similar when measured in the follicular phase of consecutive menstrual cycles.