A comparison of activity patterns, resting energy expenditure, percent body fat and dietary patterns in normal weight children

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of resting energy expenditure (REE) to percent body fat, percent abdominal body fat, activity level, and dietary intake in thirty-four normal weight prepubertal children, six to eleven years of age. The relationships of percent body fat and percent abdominal fat to activity level was also examined. The children's REE was measured in the morning, after abstaining from food, beverage (other than water), and physical activity for twelve hours, utilizing indirect calorimetry. Activity level was estimated using reliable activity questionnaires and interviews with parents and the children. The study included previously collected data from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry which was utilized to determine the children's body composition, and seven day food diaries that were analyzed for average energy and nutrient consumption. No strong correlations were found. However, REE was moderately and positively correlated to percent fat (.47), and to percent abdominal body fat (.55). Further research on the relationship between percent body fat and REE will help to understand the role that fat deposition plays on REE of children.