Some Studies on Calorie Requirements of Japanese (Report 1)

Abstract

To investigate of the influence of climate on basal metabolism, 182 healthy national safety force men at Obihiro, one of the most cold locations in Japan, were examined in winter 1953. Basal metabolism, biometry, schedule of daily life and food intake were measured. The biometric results obtained are given in tab. 1. The average body size of the national safety force men at Obihiro was excellent than the Japanese standard, especially in weight and chest circumference. (tab. 2)The results of basal metabolism obtained are given in tab. 4. The average basal metabolism was 44.2cal. per hour per square meter. (tab. 5)The comparison of basal metabolism of the national safety force mem of Obihiro, Tokyo and Sapporo was made.(1) In basal metabolism, the Obihiro N. S. F. M. were 4% higher than the Tokyo N. S. F. M. The external temperature at Obihiro was 14.5°C lower than at Tokyo. Then, in this case, basal metabolism increased by 2.8% for 10°C decrease in the external temperature.(2) In basal metabolism, the Obihiro. N. S. F. M. were 4% higher than the Sapporo N. S. F. M. The external tempt. at Obihiro was 12.6°C lower than at Sapporo. Then, basal metabolism inereased by 3.1% for 10°C decrease in the external tempt.(3) From the above two cases, the basal metabolism increased by 3% for 10°C decrease in the external tempt.(4) In basal metabolism, the Tokyo N. S. F. M. were equal to the Sapporo N. S. F. M. The external tempt. at Sapporo (Nov. 1950.) was 1.6°C lower than at Tokyo (Dec. 1952.) But room temp. at Sapporo, on the contrary, was about 8°C higher than at Tokyo. Then, in this case, there were no difference of basal metabolism between the Tokyo N. S. F. M. and the Sapporo N. S. F. M. We must always consider that not only external tempt. but room tempt., daily life hours in room and clothing have an influence on basal metabolism.