Basal energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure and one metabolic equivalent (1 MET) values for young Chinese adults with different body weights

Background and Objectives: Accurately assessing energy expenditure (EE) of people with different body weight is essential to facilitate weight management. The aim of this study was to measure basal energy expenditure (BEE), resting energy expenditure (REE) and to explore the true 1 MET value for young Chinese adults with different body weight. Methods and Study Design: A total of 251 young Chinese adults were divided into three groups: the normal weight group, the overweight group and the obese group. Their BEE, REE and 1 MET values were measured by Cortex Metamax 3B (MM3B). Multiple linear regressions and correlation analysis were used to examine factors that influence EE in Chinese population. Results: The mean measured BEE and REE of young Chinese adults with normal weight, overweight and obesity was 1429, 1609, 1778 kcal/day and 1522, 1712, 1885 kcal/day, respectively. The EE per kilogram body weight decreased with the increasing body weight. The mean oxygen consumption in the three group was 3.78, 3.47, 3.21 mL/kg/min respectively. There was no significant difference in BEE and REE after adjustment for fat-free mass (FFM). The significant influencing factors were body mass index (BMI) and sex in BEE, FFM and BMI in REE in Chinese population. Conclusions: BEE and REE were significantly different for different body weights while these differences disappeared after adjustment for FFM, and people with different body weights may have different 1 MET values. Further studies should be conducted to obtain more accurate daily energy requirement and 1MET value for specific Chinese populations.