Anthropometric measured fat-free mass as essential determinant of resting energy expenditure for pregnant and non-pregnant women

Objective

There is conflicting evidence as to whether anthropometric parameters are related to resting energy expenditure (REE) during pregnancy. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to precisely assess a major anthropometric determinant of REE for pregnant and non-pregnant women with verification of its use as a possible predictor.

Methods

One hundred fifty-two randomly recruited, healthy, pregnant Czech women were divided into groups G1 and G2. G1 (n = 31) was used for determination of the association between anthropometric parameters and REE. G2 (n = 121) and a group of non-pregnant women (G0; n = 24) were used for verification that observed relations were suitable for the prediction of REE during pregnancy. The women in the study groups were measured during four periods of pregnancy for REE by indirect calorimetry and anthropometric parameters after 12 h of fasting.

Results

Associations were found in all groups between measured REE by indirect calorimetry and anthropometric parameters such as weight, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), body surface area, and body mass index (P < 0.0001). The best derived predictor, REE/FFM (29.5 kcal/kg, r = 0.70, P < 0.0001), in group G1 was statistically verified in group G2 and compared with G0.

Conclusion

Anthropometrically measured FFM with its metabolically active components is an essential determinant of REE in pregnancy. REE/FFM can be used for the prediction of REE in pregnant and non-pregnant woman.