Comparability of resting energy expenditure in Nigerians and US blacks

Objective: To determine the influence of environmental factors on resting e nergy expenditure (REE) and its relationship to adiposity in two population s of West African origin, Nigerians and U.S. blacks. Research Methods and Procedures: REE and body composition were measured in a cross-sectional sample of 89 Nigerian adults (39 women and 50 men), and 1 81 U.S. black adults (117 women and 65 men). Both groups represent randomly selected population samples. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry afte r an overnight fast in both sites using the same instrument. Body compositi on was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 72 Nigeria ns and 156 U.S, participants. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the significant predictors of REE. The analyses were repeated in a set of 17 Nigerians and 28 U.S. blacks in whom body composition was measu red using deuterium dilution. Results: U.S, black adults were significantly heavier and had both more fat -free mass (FFM) and body fat than Nigerians, FFM was the only significant determinant of REE in both population groups, whether body composition was measured using BIA or deuterium dilution. The relationship between REE and body composition did not differ by site. There was no relationship between REE and adiposity. Discussion: Differences in current environmental settings did not impact RE E. The differences observed in mean levels of body fat between Nigerians an d U.S. blacks were not the result of differences in REE adjusted for body c omposition.