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Review
. 2016 Sep 20;5(11):1057-1071.
doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.09.005. eCollection 2016 Nov.

Analysis of energy metabolism in humans: A review of methodologies

Yan Y Lam  1 , Eric Ravussin  2
Affiliations
Review

Analysis of energy metabolism in humans: A review of methodologies

Yan Y Lam et al. Mol Metab. .

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a consequence of chronic energy imbalance. We need accurate and precise measurements of energy intake and expenditure, as well as the related behaviors, to fully understand how energy homeostasis is regulated in order to develop interventions and evaluate their effectiveness to combat the global obesity epidemic.

Scope of review: We provide an in-depth review of the methodologies currently used to measure energy intake and expenditure in humans, including their principles, advantages, and limitations in the clinical research setting. The aim is to provide researchers with a comprehensive guide to conduct obesity research of the highest possible quality.

Major conclusions: An array of methodologies is available to measure various aspects of energy metabolism and none is perfect under all circumstances. The choice of methods should be specific to particular research questions with practicality and quality of data the priorities for consideration. A combination of complementary measurements may be preferable. There is an imperative need to develop new methodologies to improve the accuracy and precision of energy intake assessments.

Keywords: Clinical study methodology; Dietary assessment; Energy expenditure.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustration of energy balance and metabolic adaptation. When energy intake equals to total energy expenditure, a state of energy equilibrium is reached, and the body weight stays at the usual set-point. When energy intake exceeds or falls below the level required to maintain the usual body weight, energy expenditure no longer matches the intake (indicated by the gray shaded area), with expenditure exceeding intake in positive energy balance and the reverse for negative energy balance. Most of this difference is explained by changes in energy cost of physical activity associated with a different body mass and thermic effect of food. Metabolic adaptation refers to the phenomenon in which energy expenditure is adjusted independent of metabolic mass, possibly via altered mitochondrial dynamics, as a potential mechanism to restore body weight to the usual set-point.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Components of total daily energy expenditure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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