Reduced regulatory thermogenesis in pregnant and ovariectomized women

Abstract

Diet-induced thermogenesis has been evaluated in five ovariectomized young women, five late pregnant (at the 8th month of pregnancy) and five age matched lean control women. Post-prandial thermogenesis was tested after a 900 Kcal mixed meal. Although pregnant (p less than 0.05) and ovariectomized showed a basal metabolic rate higher than control females, both groups had a significantly lower post-prandial thermogenesis when compared to the lean one (p less than 0.05). It is concluded that post-prandial thermogenesis is depressed in pregnant and ovariectomized females and that this condition may facilitate, at least in predisposed adult women, the development of obesity.