Composition and caloric density of weight loss during caloric restriction in cold

Abstract

Two groups of six men each lived for 14 days in a cold chamber at 60 F (15.6 C); activity was sedentary and only athletic shorts were worn. During this period one group, A, was semi-starved (600 kcal/day) and the other, B, was completely starved (0 kcal/day). Changes in body composition were measured and caloric density of weight loss was calculated. Mean weight loss was 5.66 kg for A, and 8.56 kg for B. Composition and caloric density of weight loss was almost identical for both groups. Composition of weight loss with regard to fat, protein and water was 39, 10, and 51% for A; 39, 11, and 49% for B. Caloric density was 3.91 kcal/g for A and 4.06 kcal/g for B. Submitted on February 20, 1961