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| Title: | Seasonality in Food Intake and Energy Balance of Rural Beninese Women: Some Difficulties in Interpreting Results |
| Authors: | Raaij, J.M.A. van Schultink, Werner Jan |
| Book title: | Seasons, Food Supply and Nutrition in Africa |
| Year: | 1990 |
| Pages: | 66-75 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Benin |
| Subjects: | women seasonality nutrition food Cultural Roles Health, Nutrition, and Medicine |
| Abstract: | In the period 1985-1986 a study on seasonality in the energy balance of rural women was carried out in Houéyogbé District of Mono Province, Benin. The results of the research showed that disturbances in energy balance were caused by the seasonal variation in food availability. In the periods of limited food consumption the women started to 'consume' their own body tissues (weight loss) and, as a consequence, energy expenditure was progressively reduced (biological adaptation). A significant seasonal variation in activity patterns was also observed. Studies on seasonality in energy balances of people who experience seasonal stress of restricted food availability may indicate the seasons in which energy balances are disturbed and may quantify to what levels disturbances in energy balances are compensated by biological adaptations and by social/behavioural adaptations (changes in physical activity). However, a more profound interpretation of the findings is hardly possible since little is known about the borderlines of adaptation beyond which health status and the level of economically necessary and socially desirable physical activity deteriorate. This topic warrants high priority in future research. Bibliogr., notes. |