Dissertation Research: Basal Metabolic Rate of Mongolian Pastoral Nomads

本研究的目的是测试的假设，蒙古牧民的基础代谢率是准确预测的方程由世界卫生组织（WHO）开发的，在世界各地使用。基础代谢率是维持生命所需的最低能量，是人类总能量需求的主要部分。 根据世界卫生组织的说法，无论人口生活的气候如何，无论温度压力的季节变化如何，预测方程都是适用的。 然而，有相当多的证据表明，土著居民的基础代谢率与温度成反比。 蒙古为测试这一正在进行的科学辩论提供了一个天然实验室。 这项研究将测量18岁及以上的蒙古族牧民男性和女性的基础代谢率、饮食和寒冷暴露，这些牧民生活在寒冷的高纬度气候中，季节性极端寒冷应激。 它将增加对影响人群基础代谢率的因素的了解，并增加正在进行的科学讨论，即基础代谢率是否是仅受年龄，性别和体重影响的人类普遍特征，或者它是否适应环境因素，如冷应激。

This study is designed to test the hypothesis that the basal metabolic rate of Mongolian pastoral nomads is accurately predicted by the equations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use throughout the world. The basal metabolic rate is the minimum energy required to maintain life, and is a major proportion of total human energy needs. According to the WHO, the prediction equations are applicable regardless of the climate in which the population lives and regardless of seasonal variation in temperature stress. However, there is considerable evidence that the basal metabolic rate of indigenous populations varies inversely with temperature. Mongolia provides a natural laboratory for testing this ongoing scientific debate. This study will measure basal metabolic rate, diet, and cold exposure in male and female Mongolian pastoral nomads 18 years of age and older who live in a cold, high latitude climate with seasonally extreme cold stress. It will add to the knowledge of factors influencing basal metabolic rate in human populations and to the ongoing scientific discussion as to whether basal metabolic rate is a universal trait in humans influenced only by age, sex, and body weight, or whether it adapts to environmental factors such as cold stress.