Comparison Of Net Energy Expenditure And Steps Among Lean And Overweight Women During Walking And Jogging

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare net energy expenditure (EE) and pedometer steps during walking and jogging in overweight and lean women. METHODS: Twenty-three healthy women (20.7±1.6 y, 66.2±9.4 kg, 35.9±5.4 ml/kg/min, 24.4±3.3 kg/m2) participated in this study. Thirteen were normal weight (BMI< 25 kg/m2), ten were overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2), and all were non-smokers, not on medications affecting metabolism, and able to run 1 mile continuously at 5 mph. Each participant reported to the laboratory on 3 separate days, within a 1-week period, at the same time, under the same conditions, and with at least 1 day separating each visit. During the first visit, tests for resting metabolic rate (RMR) via indirect calorimetery, anthropometric measures, and VO2max via indirect calorimetry were determined. On the second visit, EE was assessed using indirect calorimetry during a 1-mile walk at 3 mph. On the third visit, EE was again assessed using indirect calorimetry during a 1-mile jog at 5 mph. Net EE was determined by subtracting RMR from the total EE during the 1-mile walk and 1-mile jog. During both the walk and the jog participants wore a pedometer to account for steps taken. RESULTS: For the lean women, RMR was 1461±162 kcal/d and was significantly lower than the overweight women (1643±108 kcal/d). Net EE was 30% lower than total EE for the walk and 13% lower for the jog in lean women and 28% lower during the walk and 12% lower for the jog in overweight women. The net EE during the 1-mile walk was 47±5 kcal for the lean women and 59±7 kcal for the overweight women and during the 1-mile jog was 82±11 kcal for the lean women and 100±14 kcal for the overweight women. The overweight women burned more energy for both the walk and the jog compared to the lean women (P<0.05). For both groups, pedometer steps were lower during the jog than the walk (P<0.05); however, there were no differences in steps between groups for the walk or jog (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that there is a significant difference in EE during walking and jogging between lean and overweight women. These data may be used as a practical measure in teaching lean and overweight individuals the reality of EE during walking and jogging activities.