RESTING ENERGY-EXPENDITURE IN YOUNG VEGETARIAN AND NONVEGETARIAN WOMEN

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and the thermic effect of a liquid meal test (TEM) were measured by indirect calorimetry in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women of similar fitness and body composition, in attempt to gain a better understanding of why vegetarians are at less risk for obesity compared to nonvegetarians. After establishment of baseline RMR, subjects were given a liquid meal and postprandial metabolic measurements were continued for an additional 180 minutes. There were no differences in either RMR or TEM between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The lower body weight and level of adiposity frequently seen in vetetarian women compared to nonvegetarians does not appear to be explained by differences in metabolic rate at rest or by variations in postprandial thermogenesis. © 1990 Pergamon Press plc.