ENERGY BLANCE AND PHYSIQUE IN 5- TO 6-YEAR-OLD JAPANESE CHILDREN

Abstract

168 The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between energy balance and physique in 5- to 6-year-old Japanese children. The subjects were 58 boys and girls, who were divided into three groups: mildly obese (O, n=11), normal (N, n=26) and lean(L, n=21). We measured height, weight and skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular). Motor ability tests were performed. A multi-stage exercise test was done on a treadmill to obtain heart rate (HR) and V̇O2 during exercise. We monitored 24-hour HR continuously. Energy expenditure was calculated from each child's HR-V̇O2 regression equation. Food and drink intake were recorded and energy intake was calculated. The results were as follows: L were significantly lower in VO2max than O and N (p<0.001). There were no inter-group differences in physical fitness scores. 24-hour energy expenditure was O-1620.5±200.7kcal, N-1425.8±183.6kcal and L-1389.5±169.1kcal. O was significant higher in energy expenditure than either N or L (p<0.01). Energy intake during 24 hours was O-1687.4±177.5kcal, N-1576.7±147.5kcal and L-1556.0±113.2kcal. O consumed more energy than N or L (p<0.05). Positive balance (Energy expenditure - Energy intake) was shown for most children in all groups (O-7/11, N-20/26, L-18/21). These data suggest that preschool children who are mildly obese expend and consume more energy than normal and lean children.