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ENERGY Energy is required for the functions of all biological systems. Dietary energy is commonly given in units of Calories or kilocalories, but the acceptable scientific terminology is joules. The primary sources of dietary energy are fats, carbohydrates and protein. Ethanol also contributes dietary energy in individuals consuming alcoholic beverages, but alcohol is not generally categorized as a nutrient. The energy for biological processes is obtained from these sources by intermediary metabolism. Since people do not eat continuously, our bodies are very efficient in storing energy for future use. Stored energy is primarily in the form of fat in adipose tissue, but a small amount of carbohydrate is stored in the liver as glycogen. Intermediary metabolism converts the energy consumed into the forms for storage or into forms which are readily available for biological processes such as compounds with high energy phosphate bonds. Since energy cannot be destroyed or created, over a period of time
the energy consumed must be expended or accounted for by gains or losses
in body tissues. If energy intakes are less then expenditures, body
weight loss will occur. When energy intakes exceed expenditures, body
weight gain will occur. There is evidence of adaptive responses to fluctuations
in energy intake which are dependent of genetic and environmental factors.
While these adaptations may account for some of the variability between
individuals, they do not prevent body weight changes in response to
unbalanced energy equations. Energy expenditures are based on: Energy
Needs = Basal metabolic rate (energy to keep heart beating, etc.) +
physical exercise + Specific Dynamic Effect (energy for intermediary
metabolism). Diet recommendations: Median Heights and Weights and Recommended Energy Intakes are:
The range of recommended intakes for these allowances are wide, reflecting differences in energy needs primarily because of differences in physical activity. The energy allowances for young adults are for individuals doing light work. Inadequate energy intakes: Starvation continues to be a major world problem. Fortunately, starvation because of inadequate food availability is almost unheard of in the U.S. However, self imposed starvation is recognized in a proportion of people in the U.S.with anorexia nervosa. Excessive energy intakes: Obesity is a major health problem in developed countries in the world. It has been estimated that 25-35% of the United States adult population is obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and for certain cancers (endometrial, colon, ovarian and breast). Recent Research: There is interest in identifying optimal
intakes and expenditures of energy and optimal body weights for the
prevention of chronic diseases associated with obesity. Factors which
influence energy balance and energy needs, and account for some of the
difference in energy utilization between individuals are actively being
studied. Appetite regulation and the relationship of appetite to optimal
weight maintenance is an important research area. For further information: Martin, L.F., Hunter, S.M., Lauve, R.M., & O'Leary, J.P. (1995) Severe obesity: expensive to society, frustrating to treat, but important to confront. South. Med. J. 88: 895-902 Goran, M.I. (1995) Variation in total energy expenditure in humans. Obes. Res. 3(1Suppl): 59-66.
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* These statements have not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administration. |