Energy intake and energy output of Burmese farmers at different seasons.

Abstract

The food intake and energy expenditure of ten farmers aged 18-60 years were studied for 3 d in the monsoon season, and for 6 d in harvest and in summer. The mean daily energy intakes +/- s.e. in the three seasons were 3950 +/- 180 kcal (16.8 +/- 0.8 MJ), 3690 +/- 280 kcal (15.4 +/- 1.15 MJ), and 2900 +/- 180 kcal (12.5 +/- 0.8 MJ), respectively. Energy outputs were 3840 +/- 130 kcal (16.05 +/- 0.5 MJ) in the monsoon, and 2940 +/- 130 kcal (12.3 +/- 0.5 MJ) in harvest and 2230 +/- 80 kcal (9.3 +/- 0.35 MJ) in summer. According to the classification given by FAO/WHO (1973) our Burmese farmers expended energy corresponding to exceptionally active work during the monsoon and harvest, and to light activity during the summer. Nevertheless, their daily intakes at all seasons fulfilled the requirement for very active and exceptionally active work set by FAO/WHO (1973) and also covered their energy expenditure. In contrast to the published values for food consumption of farmers in developing countries, our study shows adequate energy and protein intakes. The study indicates that food intake is not the limiting factor in energy expenditure in this farming community.