Local Specificity of the Seasonal Variation in the Basal Metabolic Rate of Japanese

Abstract

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) was determined in 9 light workers (clerical workers) and 9 heavy workers (railway linemen) in the north-eastern snowy region. In general, the basal metabolic rate was high in winter and low in summer, as reported by previous investigators. However, a characteristic lowering of BMR in the severe cold snowy season and rising in spring were also observed. This lowering has not been reported in Japan, so far as is known. The BMR of the physical workers might be influenced by the grade of their performance; it lowers along with the decrease of work in the snow season, and rises along with heavy work in summer. Thus, it seems possible that heavy physical work changes the pattern of seasonal variation in BVIR.