OBJECTIVE: This study compared the energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry with that estimated by prediction equations in asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 69 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. Three paired groups were compared (overweight, asthmatic adolescents, normal weight, asthmatic adolescents and overweight, non-asthmatic adolescents). Energy expenditure was estimated by indirect calorimetry and prediction equations. RESULTS: Each group consisted of 23 adolescents (10 females), with an average age of M=12.4, SD=2.4 years. In the group of overweight, asthmatic adolescents, the resting energy expenditure was M=1550.2, SD=547.2kcal/day; in the group of normal weight asthmatic adolescents, the resting energy expenditure was M=1540.8, SD=544.2kcal/day; and in the group of overweight, non-asthmatic adolescents, the resting energy expenditure was M=1697.2 SD=379.8kcal/day. The results were similar among groups even when adjusted for lean and fat mass (f=0.186; p=0.831). The total energy expenditure was also similar among groups, except that the Harris-Benedict formula underestimated the energy expenditure in normal weight asthmatic adolescents and overweight, non-asthmatic adolescents. CONCLUSION: The resting energy expenditure was not statistically different among groups of asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents, even when adjusted for lean mass and fat mass. For all three groups, the predictive equations were useful for estimating the resting energy expenditure and total energy expenditure.
Asthma; Indirect calorimetry; Energy metabolism; Obesity; Adolescent health
