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  • Original Article
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Comparing different measures of energy expenditure in human subjects resident in a metabolic facility

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 62, pages 560–569 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To compare energy expenditure (EE) measured by doubly labeled water (DLW) with other measures, both physical and based on subjective questionnaires.

Design:

A comparison of methods in a stratified sample of adult volunteers.

Setting:

The feeding behaviour suite (FBS) at the Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen.

Subjects:

A total of 59 subjects, stratified for age, sex and body mass index (BMI).

Interventions:

EE was assessed by DLW (validated using measurements of energy balance), heart rate monitor (HRM), activity monitor (Caltrac), 24-h physical activity diary (PAD) and 7-day physical activity recall. Energy intake was assessed using covert (investigator-weighed) food intake (EI). Data were collected over a 12-day period of residence in the Rowett's FBS.

Results:

No methods correlated highly with physical activity assessed by DLW. Physical methods correlated more closely than did subjective recording. All methods (except EI) significantly underestimated EE, estimated by DLW. There were no significant differences in association between methods and sex, age, BMI or fat-free mass.

Conclusion:

EE is difficult to measure precisely or accurately with current approaches but physical methods are slightly better than subjective accounts.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rowett Research Services, Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK

    Z Fuller

  2. Biomathematics and Statistics, Scotland, Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland

    G Horgan

  3. Formerly of Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK

    Z Fuller & L M O'Reilly

  4. CHU Service de Médecine B, 49033 Angers Cedex, France,

    P Ritz

  5. Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK

    E Milne & R J Stubbs

Authors
  1. Z Fuller
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  2. G Horgan
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  3. L M O'Reilly
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  4. P Ritz
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  5. E Milne
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  6. R J Stubbs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G Horgan.

Additional information

Contributors: ZF conducted the study, carried out data analysis and interpretation, and wrote the manuscript. GH performed the statistical analysis and assisted with manuscript revision. LMO conducted the study and carried out data analysis. PR provided input on the DLW data analyses. EM conducted DLW sample analysis. RJS was the project leader and was involved in the study design, data interpretation and assisted with the manuscript revision. The authors declared that no conflict of interest existed.

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Fuller, Z., Horgan, G., O'Reilly, L. et al. Comparing different measures of energy expenditure in human subjects resident in a metabolic facility. Eur J Clin Nutr 62, 560–569 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602739

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602739

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