Thèse d'exercice

The purpose of the study was to examine the consequences of the subsubtantial nutritional stress, created by an unimodal climate on the energy balance of adults and on children's growth. Coping strategies of adults, at an individual level, with the seasonal fluctuations in food availability were also considered.Body weight was measured during three consecutive years among members of subsistence households. Weight changes occur between pre and post-harvest periods. Size of weight of loss was moderate and comparable to weight loss reported for farmers in areas with less substantial seasonal fluctuations in food avaibility. The year to year repeatability of seasonal weight change may be mainly influenced by factors which are not regulated by rainfall pattern. Among children aged 2 to 9 years, growth perfomances were depressed during pre-harvest periods. Growth velocities attained during post-havest periods can not be considered as catch up growth. When compared with the reference, growth velocities slowed down with increasing age. Prevalence of stunting was high and stable at about 30

. Resting metabolic rate, activity pattern, energy cost of cycling and food intake were measured during consecutive years in a subgroup of 45 women. Resting metabolic rate and energy cost of cycling were stable throughout the year.