Energy Expenditure Differs between Black and White Americans: Implications for Obesity Prevention Research

Abstract

Objective: To assess differences in energy expenditure by race and ethnicity using nationally representative data. Results: We confirmed that Blacks exhibit lower resting energy expenditure than Whites—a difference of approximately 150 to 300 fewer kilocalories per day. This finding was significant in each permutation of our analysis—from the simple association of race and resting energy expenditure to our final regression model adjusted for common confounders (i.e. age, gender, income, and education), body fat content, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and weight loss in previous year. Further, we found that energy intake did not differ significantly between Blacks and Whites whereas Blacks were found to expend significantly more energy voluntarily than Whites. Blacks and Whites did not differ significantly in bodyweight, though Blacks were found to be leaner than Whites as evidenced by significantly lower body fat content in the former. Discussion: Our findings suggest that if rates of obesity are to be reduced in Black Americans, recommendations would need to encourage lower levels of average energy intake and higher levels of activity energy expenditure than extant in the general populace. In short, Blacks would need to adopt more austere lifestyle regimens relative to the general populace in order to reduce their rate of obesity below present levels

Resting energy expenditure of a diverse group of South African men and women

“…1,7,37 In addition, the prediction and comparability of body composition data across studies and different body composition models/ methods poses challenges, particularly in racially diverse, resource-limited settings. 21,38,39 To our knowledge, this is the first study in (South) Africa that includes such a population and sample size objectively measuring REE. We took into account sex, age, body composition and height when determining race/ethnicity differences in measured REE.…”

“…Anthanont and Jensen 40 found that adults with low, compared to those with high, basal metabolic rates did not gain more weight, thereby concurring with the earlier review of Luke et al, 41 who argued that increased weight gain among Black individuals is unlikely to be related to lower REE. Nonetheless, Amen-Ra et al 21 and at least the move towards personalised nutrition in clinical settings 1 suggest accounting for related factors, including race/ethnicity, when considering an energy prescription for the management of obesity. It is hoped that our new equation will serve this purpose.…”

“…Even though Ashcraft and Frankenfield 15 identified the Quark RMR as an accurate and reliable instrument, the perfect measurement of REE is still debated 1,7,37 . In addition, the prediction and comparability of body composition data across studies and different body composition models/methods poses challenges, particularly in racially diverse, resource‐limited settings 21,38,39 …”

“…Their percentage difference, when translated to a mean absolute difference in unadjusted REE (282 and 985 kJ for females and males, respectively), is smaller than the range of 150–300 kcal (630−1260 kJ) reported by Amen‐Ra et al . 21 when REE was adjusted for common confounders including body fat.…”

“… 1 , 7 , 37 In addition, the prediction and comparability of body composition data across studies and different body composition models/methods poses challenges, particularly in racially diverse, resource‐limited settings. 21 , 38 , 39 …”