Chapter 16, Problem 1.1CS

Summary Introduction

To determine: The amount of calories needed by Person K to maintain her weight.

Introduction: The status of the weight of individuals is estimated by their body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of a person in kilogram by the square of height in meters. Resting energy expenditure (REE) is defined as the amount of energy expended by a person during a non-active period (at rest).

Explanation of Solution

Person K who is 25-years old has a weight 135 lb (61.23 kg) and a height 5 ft 8 in. (172.72 cm) tall. During her high school, she actively participated in various competitive sports. Also, she decided to run a marathon with some of her college friends. Usually, she eats all varieties of fruits and vegetables and tries to avoid oily foods. She used to drink around 4–6 cups of coffee daily. She does not like sweets. Her mother requires angioplasty in order to treat occluded arteries just after menopause, and her father is not at risk for any chronic conditions. Person K is not pregnant at present, although she wishes to have children.

Resting energy expenditure (REE) can be calculated using a validated estimation formula. The Mifflin–St. Jeor formula requires accurate measures of height in cm and weight in kg using the formula given below:

$\text{REE}=\left(10\times \text{wt}\right)+\left(6.25\times \text{ht}\right)-\left(5\times \text{age}\right)-161$

Person K is 25-years old. She has weight 135 pounds (61.23 kg) and height 5 foot 8 inches (172.72 cm) tall. Then, the REE of Person K is calculated as follows:

$\begin{array}{c}\text{REE}=\left(10\times \text{wt}\right)+\left(6.25\times \text{ht}\right)-\left(5\times \text{age}\right)-161\\ =612.3+1079.5-125-161\\ =1405.8\end{array}$

After determining the REE, the obtained value of REE is multiplied by an activity factor of 1.725 owing to the high activity level of Person K; the estimated daily calorie requirement is obtained below:

$\begin{array}{c}\text{Energy}\text{requirement}=1405.8\times 1.725\\ =2425\text{cal}\end{array}$

Thus, the daily energy requirement for Person K is 2425 cal to maintain her weight.

Conclusion

Person K needs 2425 calories to maintain her weight.