Intake and energy metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese Chilean adolescents Ingesta y metabolismo energético en una muestra de adolescentes chilenos con sobrepeso y obesidad

Abstract

Background: In the last decades, a seven to nine fold increase in the prevalence of teenage obesity and overweight has occurred. Aim: To assess energy intake and metabolism in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. Material and Methods: In a sample of 113 overweight and obese Chilean adolescents (aged 13 to 16 years, 67 females) we studied anthropometry, body composition by deuterium isotope dilution water, resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 24-h diet and physical activity recalls. Results: Most participants (87% of men and 67.2% of women) had an intake that was adequate compared to requirements (FAO/WHO 2005). However, 82.6% of men and 83.6% of women showed reduced energy expenditure. The sample was classified as sedentary, with a physical activity level of 1.29. Conclusions: In our sample of overweight and obese adolescents there was a sedentary behavior, resulting in low energy expenditure that would explain a sustained caloric retention. Preventive and th