Energy Intake and Expenditure with Reference to the Female Physical Education Student

Abstract

A random sample of twenty-seven 18-21-year-old female physical education students completed dietary and activity diaries for seven consecutive days. Tables were used for calculating tho subjects energy intake and expenditure. Measurement of metabolic energy was also determined using an open circuit method. Energy expenditure calculations by the tablo method differed from direct calculations. Unlike many studies, which have been confined to an eight hour working day, the present investigation obtained data for seven 24 hourly consecutive periods. Mean basal energy requirement was 6.53 ± 0.49 × 10⁶ J/day; mean energy intake was 9.82 ± 2.06 × 10⁶ J/day and mean energy expenditure was 10.18± 1.06 × 10⁶ J/day. Intake varied more than expenditure. Mean daily Joule fluctuations showed a definite relationship with the college timetable. Maximum energy expenditure days coincided with minimum energy intake and vice versa. The ratio of body surface area to body mass (cms²/kg) decreased with increasing obesity.