Energy metabolism in relation to body composition and gender in adolescents

Objective-To study the effect of body composition on average daily metaboli c rate (ADMR) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in adolescence, and to examine current BMR prediction equations. Study-Dutch adolescents were pooled with previously reported American and B ritish subjects (n = 90 overall). BMR and ADMR were analysed by multiple re gression. Results-Fat-free mass, BMR, and ADMR were higher in the obese than in the n on-obese group (mean (SD): 53.2 (10.7) kg, 8.35 (1.57) MJ/d, and 13.64 (2.7 8) MJ/d, compared with 41.0 (8.1) kg, 6.42 (0.94) MJ/d, and 11.16 (2.21) MJ /d, respectively). BMR remained higher when adjusted for fat-free mass, age , and sex. ADMR adjusted for BMR was similar in the two groups. WHO equatio ns overestimated BMR in obese boys and underestimated BMR in non-obese boys . Conclusions-BMR, but not activity, is increased in obese adolescents and in male adolescents. The WHO BMR equations for adults are recommended for obe se adolescents.