Scottish scientists estimate metabolic rate in people from 0 to 95 years old
Scientists from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland have found out how much energy people spend throughout their lives. The results showed that energy expenditure is age dependent, but not in the way that was commonly believed, Science reports.
The study involved 600 people aged from eight days to 95 years. Scientists gave them special water containing heavy forms (isotopes) of hydrogen and oxygen. Then they watched how the isotopes were removed from the body. Heavy oxygen is washed out faster than hydrogen. This difference is related to the rate at which carbon dioxide is produced and therefore provides an estimate of energy expenditure.
Research has shown that the cost of maintaining basic functions such as breathing and circulation increases with body size. The highest metabolic rate was found not in adolescents, as previously thought, but in infants. At the age of one month, they spend about the same amount of energy as adults (taking into account body size), but by the age of seven months – already 50% more.
After a year, total daily energy costs begin to decline gradually – by an average of 2.8% per year, until they reach a stable level by the age of twenty. From 20 to 60 years of age, a person's energy consumption is on a “plateau”, that is, they do not change even during periods such as pregnancy and childbirth. After that, the indicators begin to fall by about 0.7% per year.
“Previously it was suggested that metabolism may slow down in 30 years, and this is the reason for 'age-related' obesity. We have not found any evidence to support this. Therefore, if you gain weight and your waistline increases between the ages of 30 and 40, it is probably because you eat more food and then use less energy, ”the authors emphasized.
Previously, scientists have named products suitable for fasting days. These are green apples.
