OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two diets, which had their carbohydrates profile modified, on the energy metabolism of two groups of subjects: normal lean men and overweight ones. METHODS: Two isoenergetic meal plans were used, to evaluate their effects in the energy expenditure of thirteen lean, and thirteen overweight men. Three regular meal preparations and their diet analogous preparations were used to compound the regular meal and the modified meal, respectively. Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate the energy expenditure. RESULTS: Overweight subjects had a higher energy expenditure (p<0.01) and lower thermogenesis (p<0.01) comparing to lean subjects, independently of the meal tested. Modified meal was higher in complex carbohydrates and, independently of the group, its consumption caused rest respiratory quotient, rest energy expenditure, thremogenesis, and carbohydrate oxidation to be greater (p<0.05) than those observed when regular meal was consumed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an isocaloric meal, higher in complex carbohydrate, can increase the respiratory coefficient, and, consequently, can increase thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
modified food; complex carbohydrates; energy metabolism; obesity
