Energy metabolism in college girls

¹ Department of Physiology, Bikaner Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Energy expenditures during different activities of 24 college girls were determined by measurement of oxygen consumption. The energy cost of various activities expressed as Calories per square meter of body surface per hour was as follows: basal metabolic rate (BMR), 28.75 ± 0.47; lying at rest, 30.95 ± 0.60; sitting at rest, 36.03 ± 0.66; sitting at study, 34.59 ± 0.63; sitting at household work, 80.71 ± 3.50; standing at laboratory work, 48.71 ± 2.70; walking, 110.27 ± 2.70; ascending stairs, 137.83 ± 4.60; and descending stairs, 90.39 ± 3.25. The average total daily energy expenditure of the subjects, determined for a period of 7 days, was 1503 Cal. and the average daily intake was 1507 Cal. Energy expenditure during standardized work on the bicycle ergometer was determined in six college girls by measurement of oxygen consumption. The energy cost of work done equivalent to 150 kpm/min. was found lowest when the work was performed in the basal state, highest 1 hour after a heavy meal, and intermediate 4 hours after the meal. The results indicated that performance of work was more efficient on an empty stomach than when it was full.