A comparative study of energy balance among housewives of Ludhiana city.

Energy gap is the main nutritional factor which affects work efficiency in all age groups. The low intake of food results in impaired working efficiency and a low level of vitality. Energy balance was evaluated among 30 healthy, nonpregnant, nonlactating housewives aged 29-40 years drawn from the campus of Punjab Agricultural University and its surrounding areas. The women's mean overall energy intake was 1777 +or- 31 kcal/day, 87% of the ICMR (1990) recommended allowances. Total energy expenditure was measured using a computer-based Nutriguide program of Song et al., Caltrac, FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) equations based upon body weight, and an ICMR (1990) prediction equation also based upon body weight. Statistical analysis identified a significant difference in the energy expenditure measured by all 4 methods except between the FAO/WHO/UNU and ICMR prediction equations. The overall energy balance was maximum and positive according to Caltrac at 4.5 kcal/day. The energy expenditure measured by the Nutriguide, FAO/WHO/UNU, and ICMR methods was significantly correlated to weight. Energy intake was significantly and highly correlated to energy balance in all of the 4 methods. While the subjects were overweight when compared with Life Insurance Corporation of India (1965) Standards, the women's body mass index of 23.11 kg/sq.m was within the normal range.