The total energy expenditures and intakes, as well as the changes of BMR, body weight, skinfold thickness and arm circumference were measured in 262 lactating women (6 months postpartum), 53 similarly sized nonlactating nonpregnant women living in the same district serve as control for comparison in Guangdong province. The energy expenditures were determined by indirect method. The results appeared that both body weight(ave-rage loss 4.2 kg) and skinfold thickness gradually reduced significantly in the first 4 months, but did not change from 4th to 6th months after delivery. Arm circumference had no change during 6 months postpartum. The BMR at the 1st week was higher (P0.05). The energy expenditure for household chores and activties in lactating group was a kind of "light activity" totally 8.36010.90 MJ/d. The energy expenditure for milk secretion was estimated to be 2.807 MJ/d. The energy intakes of the lactating group was 2.259 MJ/d more than the nonlactating group. It is recommended that the .calorie intake should be added about 1.883 MJ/d in the 1st 4 months and 2.720 MJ/d after 4 months, or average 2.092 MJ/d during 1st 6 months of lactation for lactating mothers.