Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of
obesity in Korea, studies concerning resting energy
expenditure are scarce. In this study, we tried to study the
relationship between obesity and energy balance in
middle-aged women
Methods: We recruited women who were above 40
years old and had visited the out patient clinic of Family
Medicine department at an university affiliated hospital
and agreed to participate in this study. Patients with
metabolic diseases or on medications which could affect
their metabolism were excluded from the study. Twenty
obese women (BMI ≥ 25) and 18 normal weight women
(18.5 Results: Compared to the normal weight group, the
obese group showed a higher daily energy intake and
higher ratio of fat and protein intake but no difference
was noted in energy intake/body weight. The obese group
had a significantly lower Resting Energy Expenditure
(REE)/ body weight compared to the normal weight group. The value obtained by subtracting REE from total
energy intake was significantly higher among the obese
group. According to the results of multiple regression
analysis, lower REE/body weight was the only significant
correlating factor to increasing BMI.
Conclusion: REE/ body weight was inversely related to
BMI In middle-aged women. It may be safe to conclude
that the low REE/body weight may be the causing factor
of obesity for middle-aged women.

Keywords: Obesity, Body mass index, Resting energy
expenditure, Women