Using an Allometric Equation to Accurately Predict the Energy Expenditure of Children and Adolescents With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background : Pediatric patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) require targeted nutrition therapy that relies on calculating energy needs. Common energy equations are inaccurate in predicting resting energy expenditure (REE), influencing total energy expenditure (TEE) estimates. Equations based on allometric scaling are simple, accurate, void of subjective activity and/or stress factor bias, and they estimate TEE. Objective : To investigate the predictive accuracy of an allometric energy equation (AEE) in predicting TEE of children and adolescents with NAFLD. Methods : Retrospective study performed in a single institution. The allometric equation was used to calculate AEE, and the results were compared with TEE calculated using indirect calorimetry data (measured REE) multiplied by an activity factor (AF) of 1.5 or 1.7. Results : Fifty‐six patients with a mean age of 13 years were included in this study. The agreement between TEE (using an AF of 1.5) and AEE was ?96 kcal/d (confidence interval, ?29 to 221). The predictive accuracy of the allometric equation was not different between obese and nonobese patients. Conclusions : Allometric equations allow for accurate estimation of TEE in children with NAFLD.     

Energy expenditure is very high in extremely obese women

To test the hypothesis that total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting energy expenditure (REE) are low in extremely obese individuals, factors that could contribute to maintenance of excess weight, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 weight stable, extremely obese women [BMI (mean +/- SEM) 48.9 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)]. TEE was measured over 14 d using the doubly labeled water method, REE and the thermic effect of feeding (TEF) were measured using indirect calorimetry, and activity energy expenditure (AEE) was calculated as TEE - (REE + TEF). Body composition was determined using a 3-compartment model. Subjects were divided into tertiles of BMI (37.5-45.0; 45.1-52.0; and 52.1-77.0 kg/m(2)) for data analysis. TEE and REE increased with increasing BMI tertile: TEE, 12.80 +/- 0.5, 14.67 +/- 0.5, and 16.10 +/- 0.9 MJ/d (P < 0.01); REE, 7.87 +/- 0.2, 8.78 +/- 0.3, and 9.94 +/- 0.6 MJ/d (P < 0.001), and these values were 29-38% higher than published means of measured TEE in nonobese individuals. No significant differences were observed among BMI tertiles for AEE, TEF, or physical activity level (PAL = TEE/REE, overall mean 1.64 +/- 0.16). The Harris-Benedict and WHO equations provided the closest estimates of REE (within 3%), whereas the obese-specific equations of Ireton-Jones overpredicted (40%) and Bernstein underpredicted (21%) REE. Extremely obese individuals have high absolute values for TEE and REE, indicating that excess energy intake contributes to the maintenance of excess weight. Standard equations developed for nonobese populations provided the most accurate estimates of REE for the obese individuals studied here. REE was not accurately predicted by equations developed in obese populations.     

Energy requirements in the eighth decade of life

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of energy requirements among relatively healthy elderly is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to measure total energy expenditure (TEE)-derived energy requirements in a biracial population of older adults without limitations to daily life and to test these empirical measures against national and international recommendations. DESIGN: TEE (measured by the doubly labeled water method), resting metabolic rate (RMR), activity-related energy expenditure (AEE), and body composition were measured in 288 persons aged 70-79 y selected from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. RESULTS: TEE was lower in women (approximately 530 kcal/d; P < 0.0001) than in men because of the women's lower RMR and AEE. Fat-free mass explained the sex difference in RMR, but body weight failed to account for the women's lower AEE (approximately 1 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1); P = 0.007). Blacks had lower TEE than did whites (approximately 100 kcal/d, P = 0.03), and that was explained by blacks' lower RMR. Physical activity level (TEE/RMR) did not differ significantly between sexes and races (1.70 +/- 0.23). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations overestimated TEE by 10 +/- 15% (P < 0.0001) in women but not in men, and the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) were accurate to 0 +/- 14% (P = 0.1). Both WHO and DRI recommendations are based on an underestimated physical activity level, and WHO recommendations are based on overestimated RMR. CONCLUSIONS: This study of well-functioning older adults confirms the racial difference in energy metabolism and supports the use of the 2002 DRIs. Because the DRIs and WHO recommendations underestimated PAL, new predictive equations of energy requirements are proposed.     

Energy balance in cystic fibrosis when stable and during a respiratory exacerbation

Background & aims: Undernutrition is common in young adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and implies an imbalance between energy intake and total energy expenditure (TEE). The aim of this study was to measure energy intake and TEE expenditure in a group of patients when they were clinically stable at home and during an exacerbation of respiratory symptoms when they were in hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics.Methods: Eleven patients aged between 15 and 40 years with moderate respiratory disease, mean FEV₁ 51.4% predicted took part. An exacerbation was defined as>15% decrease in FEV₁, an increase in sputum production and a decision to treat in hospital with intravenous antibiotics. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry and energy intake by 3 day food diaries. TEE expenditure was measured using 24 h heart rate and doubly isotopically labelled water.Results: REE was higher at the beginning of an exacerbation than the end, P<0.05. There was no significant difference in TEE during the stable period compared to the exacerbation 10.53(2.39) MJ/day compared to 8.77(1.59) MJ/day using doubly isotopically labelled water. There was no difference in energy intake during the exacerbation compared to the stable period, 11.19(2.31) MJ/day compared to11.77(2.30) MJ/day.Conclusions: There was no difference in TEE and energy intake when patients were unwell in hospital compared to when they were stable at home despite an increase in REE.     

Racial differences in energy expenditure and aerobic fitness in premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Aerobic fitness, or maximal oxygen uptake (f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max), and energy expenditure (EE) may be lower in African Americans than in whites. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare sleeping EE (SEE), resting EE (REE), free-living total EE (TEE), and f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max in African American and white women after adjustment for body composition and free-living activity-related energy expenditure (AEE). DESIGN: Eighteen African American and 17 white premenopausal women were matched for weight, percentage body fat, and age. SEE and REE were measured in a room calorimeter and f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max was measured on a treadmill. Fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) (4-compartment model), AEE (doubly labeled water and SEE), and regional lean tissue (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were used as adjustment variables in SEE, REE, TEE, and f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max comparisons. RESULTS: The African American women had significantly more limb lean tissue and significantly less trunk lean tissue than did the white women. The African American women also had significantly lower SEE (6.9%), REE (7.5%), TEE (9.6%), and f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max (13.4%) than did the white women. Racial differences persisted after adjustment for f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max, AEE, FFM, and limb lean tissue but disappeared after adjustment for trunk lean tissue. The f1.gif" BORDER="0">O(2)max difference was independent of all body-composition variables and of AEE. CONCLUSIONS: African American women had lower aerobic fitness than did white women, independent of differences in lean tissue or AEE. Diminished racial differences in SEE, REE, and TEE after adjustment for trunk lean tissue suggest that low EE in African American women is mediated by low volumes of metabolically active organ mass.     

Is the ArteACC index a valid indicator of free-living physical activity in adolescents?

OBJECTIVE: The principal aim of this study was to validate a proposed new index of physical activity, the activity-related time equivalent based on accelerometry (ArteACC), in adolescents. A secondary aim was to develop regression equations for prediction of total energy expenditure (TEE) and activity energy expenditure [AEE = 0.9 x TEE - resting metabolic rate (RMR)]. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: RMR and energy expenditure (EE) under standardized exercises were measured by indirect calorimetry in 36 adolescents (14 to 19 years old). TEE was measured by the doubly labeled water method, and physical activity was assessed simultaneously with an accelerometer for 14 days. AEE, AEE in relation to body weight (AEE per kilogram), and activity-related time equivalent based on energy expenditure (ArteEE = AEE/[EE reference activity - RMR]) were calculated from laboratory and free-living EE data. ArteACC was calculated as total activity counts/activity counts of reference activity. RESULTS: ArteACC was significantly related to AEE per kilogram (r = 0.57; p < 0.0001) and ArteEE (r = 0.68; p < 0.001). The absolute amount of time (minutes per day) spent in physical activity was significantly lower when calculated from ArteACC than from ArteEE (p < 0.001). TEE was significantly influenced by RMR, sex, and ArteACC (r(2) = 0.89). AEE was significantly influenced by sex and ArteACC (r(2) = 0.59). DISCUSSION: Despite an absolute difference between the two indexes, ArteEE and ArteACC, ArteACC seems to be a valid indicator of free-living physical activity. It contributed significantly, by 3.3% and 12.5%, to the explained variations in TEE and AEE, respectively.     

Measured versus predicted energy expenditure in children with inactive Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess if the estimated average requirements for energy for normal children (EAR) and the Schofield equation could reliably predict energy requirements in children with inactive Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Twenty-three children with inactive CD were studied, median age 14.3 years (range 7.8-16.9). Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and compared with that predicted using the Schofield equation (BMR). Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using REE and a 3-day activity diary and compared with EAR. RESULTS: REE ranged from 79% to 136% of BMR. Mean REE was not significantly greater than mean BMR (P=0.25 2-tailed t-test). TEE ranged from 72% to 163% of estimated average requirements for energy for children of that weight (EARw). EARw tended to underestimate TEE in large children and overestimate TEE in small children (Bland-Altman plot R=0.5, P=0.002). EARw was a poor predictor of TEE (R=0.35, P=0.1). EAR underestimated energy requirements by >500 kcal/day in 40% of the children. CONCLUSIONS: The Schofield equation and EAR are unreliable methods of predicting total energy requirements in children with inactive CD with a significant potential to underestimate energy needs. When energy requirements were greater than EAR it was due to physical activity and body habitus rather than raised REE.     

Activity energy expenditure and adiposity among black adults in Nigeria and the United States

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is higher among populations in industrialized than in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the relations of activity energy expenditure (AEE) with adiposity and weight change in 2 black populations with different levels of obesity. DESIGN: Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured and AEE was calculated in 58 Nigerian and 34 US black women and men. Weight was remeasured after > or = 1 y in a subset of participants. AEE adjusted for body size and TDEE adjusted for REE were calculated with the use of the residual regression method. The cross-sectional relations between percentage body fat and activity were modeled by using regression analysis, and longitudinal relations between weight change and adjusted energy expenditure variables were calculated. RESULTS: Women and men from the United States weighed more, had more body fat, and had higher levels of TDEE, REE, and AEE than did those from Nigeria. Cross-sectionally, AEE was negatively associated with adiposity after adjustment for body size and age (P < 0.001), regardless of site. Between 60% and 80% of the variance in adiposity was explained by AEE or TDEE. REE, AEE, and TDEE adjusted for body size and age were negatively correlated with weight change among Nigerian women but not men. CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference observed in mean adiposity between Nigerians and US blacks was not explained by differences in AEE. However, a low AEE was an important determinant of high percentages of body fat in black adults and was associated with increased weight gain in Nigerian women.     

Energy expenditure and motor activity in rats receiving total parenteral nutrition

Rats with intravascular catheters connected to infusion systems are frequently used in the investigation of nutritional and metabolic problems. Although the animal is often referred to as "unrestrained," there is no information on the effect of the catheter assembly or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on total (TEE), activity (AEE), and resting (REE) energy expenditure (TEE = REE + AEE). Male Fischer 344 rats were studied in an analytical respiration calorimeter. Normal unoperated rats, aseptically catheterized orally fed rats from postoperative day 1 to 7, and TPN rats were studied. Orally fed catheterized rats had weight loss, negative nitrogen balance, negative energy balance, elevated REE, and normal AEE during the first 4 postoperative days. Their weight gain, positive nitrogen balance, AEE, and REE were almost identical to those of normal rats over postoperative days 5 through 7. REE and AEE in TPN rats were similar to values in normal rats. These data indicate that catheter operation and TPN cause no abnormality in AEE and REE if adequate time is allowed for recovery from catheter operation and strict attention is given to asepsis.     

Measurement of Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Children

Background: The role that the components of energy expenditure play in the etiology of childhood obesity has highlighted the need for greater accuracy and standardized protocols for the measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE). However, protocols used to assess REE in children are varied, and consensus on a suitable method for measuring REE in children has not been reached. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of measurement time and measurement device (mask or mouthpiece) on REE in healthy children. Design: Following a 12‐hour fast and abstinence from exercise, 23 children (age, 7–12 years) completed two 35‐minute protocols: one with a face mask and the other with a mouthpiece/noseclip. Energy expenditure was measured continuously via indirect calorimetry, while device acceptability was assessed using a 6‐point comfort rating scale. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference in REE when measured after 10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes of rest compared to 30 minutes for either the mask or mouthpiece/noseclip (REE range, 1371–1460 kcal/d). Examination of the percentage coefficient of variation (CV) in energy expenditure for each time period by device showed that the least variation existed after 20 minutes of measurement using the mask (CV 6%). Paired t test analysis indicated significantly less discomfort when wearing the mask compared to the mouthpiece/noseclip. Conclusion: It would appear that a 20‐minute protocol using a mask may increase compliance and prove to be a more practical protocol for measuring REE in children.     

Comment on: Measurement of Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Children

Background: The role that the components of energy expenditure play in the etiology of childhood obesity has highlighted the need for greater accuracy and standardized protocols for the measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE). However, protocols used to assess REE in children are varied, and consensus on a suitable method for measuring REE in children has not been reached. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of measurement time and measurement device (mask or mouthpiece) on REE in healthy children. Design: Following a 12‐hour fast and abstinence from exercise, 23 children (age, 7–12 years) completed two 35‐minute protocols: one with a face mask and the other with a mouthpiece/noseclip. Energy expenditure was measured continuously via indirect calorimetry, while device acceptability was assessed using a 6‐point comfort rating scale. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference in REE when measured after 10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes of rest compared to 30 minutes for either the mask or mouthpiece/noseclip (REE range, 1371–1460 kcal/d). Examination of the percentage coefficient of variation (CV) in energy expenditure for each time period by device showed that the least variation existed after 20 minutes of measurement using the mask (CV 6%). Paired t test analysis indicated significantly less discomfort when wearing the mask compared to the mouthpiece/noseclip. Conclusion: It would appear that a 20‐minute protocol using a mask may increase compliance and prove to be a more practical protocol for measuring REE in children.(JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33:640‐645)     

Energy Expenditure in Patients With Esophageal,Gastric, and Colorectal Cancer

Background: Changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) appear to be one of the causes of nutritional depletion in cancer. Assessing REE may be an important tool for providing adequate nutritional therapy to these patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate REE of patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer and to compare it to that of healthy controls. Methods: A total of 20 patients, with esophageal (n = 3), gastric (n = 9), and colorectal (n = 8) cancers, and 20 healthy subjects were included. Indirect calorimetry (IC) was used to measure REE in both groups. The “pocket” equation (30 kcal/kg) and the Harris‐Benedict equation, with correction factors of 1.3 (activity) and 1.1 (injury), were employed for assessment of the estimated total energy expenditure (TEE). Statistics included Mann‐Whitney and paired t tests, Bland Altman analysis, and multivariate regression. Results: The REE of the patients (1,274.5 kcal [1,002.9–2,174.9]) was similar to that of the controls (1,445.5 kcal [1,114.5–1,762.6], not significant), even when corrected for the amount of metabolically active tissue. The pocket equation was effective in predicting the patients' TEE, with a 1.7% (32 kcal) difference being observed in comparison with the IC results corrected with the activity factor (not significant). Conclusions: The patients with digestive tract cancers showed a similar REE to that of the controls. The current formula of 30 kcal/kg is suitable for estimating the TEE of these patients.     

Relation of body mass index and body fatness to energy expenditure: longitudinal changes from preadolescence through adolescence

BACKGROUND: Although it is widely accepted that weight gain results when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure (EE), how reduced EE contributes to the development of obesity remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that reduced EE in the premenarcheal period in girls constitutes a risk factor for an increase in relative weight [body mass index (BMI) z score] and percentage of body fat (%BF) during adolescence. DESIGN: We measured EE at study entry in 196 premenarcheal nonobese girls. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by the doubly labeled water method. Activity energy expenditure (AEE) was calculated from RMR and TEE. After the baseline study, girls were followed annually until 4 y after menarche (x+/- SD: 7.1 +/- 2.6 y). At each visit, height, weight, and %BF by bioelectrical impedance were measured. Girls also completed annual food-frequency and activity questionnaires. Linear mixed effects modeling was used to evaluate the longitudinal relation between BMI z score and %BF and measures of baseline EE. RESULTS: We found no significant relation in change in %BF with RMR, AEE, or TEE. We observed a small positive relation between BMI z score and AEE and TEE (P < 0.05) but no significant relation with RMR. When we stratified by parental overweight, the findings were unchanged for RMR. TEE and AEE were positively related to BMI z score in girls of overweight parents. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that EE in the premenarcheal period is not a risk factor for increases in %BF or BMI z score in girls during adolescence.     

Can Vco2‐Based Estimates of Resting Energy Expenditure Replace the Need for Indirect Calorimetry in Critically Ill Children?

Background: Optimal energy provision, guided by measured resting energy expenditure (REE), is fundamental in the care of critically ill children. REE should be determined by indirect calorimetry (IC), which has limited availability. Recently, a novel equation was developed for estimating REE derived from carbon dioxide production (Vco ₂). The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy of this equation in a population of critically ill children following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: This is an ancillary study to a larger trial of children undergoing CPB. Respiratory mass spectrometry was used measure oxygen consumption (Vo ₂) and Vco ₂. REE was then calculated according to the established Weir equation (REE_W) and the modified, Vco ₂‐based equation (REE_CO2). The agreement between the 2 measurements was assessed using Bland‐Altman plots and mixed‐model regressions accounting for repeated measures. Results: Data from 104 patients, which included 575 paired measurements, were included. The agreement between REE_W and REE_CO2 was biased during the 72‐hour observation period post CPB, with a mean percentage error between measurements of 11% (±7%). The most important determinant of the bias with the Vco ₂‐based equation was the respiratory quotient (RQ). The percentage error between REE_W and REE_CO2 dropped to 4.4% (±2.4%) in those with an RQ between 0.8 and 1. The within‐subject variability for RQ in this cohort was wide (11%). Conclusions: IC remains the most accurate method to determine the REE of critically ill patients. Widespread availability of Vco ₂ data renders Vco ₂‐based approaches to measurement of REE attractive; however, further research is needed to ensure that REE is estimated accurately.     

Energy expenditure of stunted and nonstunted boys and girls living in the shantytowns of São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Stunting increases the risk of obesity in developing countries, particularly in girls and women, but the underlying reason is not known. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that stunted children have lower energy expenditure than do nonstunted children, a factor that has predicted an increased risk of obesity in other high-risk populations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in shantytown children from S?o Paulo, Brazil. Twenty-eight stunted children aged 8-11 y were compared with 30 nonstunted children with similar weight-for-height. Free-living total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured over 7 d by using the doubly labeled water method. In addition, resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between stunting and any measured energy expenditure parameter, including REE adjusted for weight (f1.gif" BORDER="0"> +/- SEM: 4575 +/- 95 compared with 4742 +/- 91 kJ/d, in stunted and nonstunted children, respectively) and TEE adjusted for weight (8424 +/- 239 compared with 8009 +/- 221 kJ/d, in stunted and nonstunted children, respectively). In multiple regression models that included fat-free mass and fat mass, girls had significantly lower TEE than did boys (P: < 0.05) but not significantly lower REE (P: = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between stunting and energy expenditure after differences between groups in body size and composition were accounted for. However, the girls had lower TEE than did boys, which may help to explain the particularly high risk of obesity in stunted adolescent girls and women in urban areas of developing countries.     

Longitudinal changes in energy expenditure in girls from late childhood through midadolescence

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal data on energy expenditure in children and adolescents are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in energy expenditure and physical activity in girls from late childhood through midadolescence. DESIGN: We measured total energy expenditure (TEE) by doubly labeled water, resting metabolic rate (RMR) by indirect calorimetry, body composition by 18O dilution, and time spent in activity by an activity diary in 28 initially nonobese girls at approximately 10, approximately 12, and approximately 15 y of age. Changes with age in TEE, RMR, and activity energy expenditure (AEE), both in absolute terms and in adjusted analyses, and in physical activity level (PAL) and time spent sleeping, being sedentary, and in moderate and vigorous activity were evaluated by mixed-model repeated-measures analyses. RESULTS: Absolute TEE and AEE increased significantly from age 10 to age 15 y (P < 0.0001 for both). Absolute RMR at ages 12 and 15 y did not differ significantly, despite significant increases in fat-free mass and fat mass between the visits. PAL was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) at age 15 y than at age 10 or 12 y, whereas time spent being sedentary increased significantly from age 10 to age 15 y (P < 0.001), and AEE adjusted for fat-free mass appeared to decrease over the same interval. CONCLUSION: Conclusions drawn regarding changes with age in physical activity depend on the measure of physical activity assessed.     

加速度计对成人日常体力活动测量效度的研究

目的　对加速度计(CSA)测量成年人日常体力活动的效度进行验证并提出根据 CSA数据预测能量消耗的方程。方法　选取 72 名北京市居民,年龄(43.6±4.0)岁,男性 33 名,女性 39名,作为调查对象,佩带7天CSA,在同一期间采用双标水方法(DLW) 测量能量消耗,包括平均每天总能量消耗(TEE)、平均每天体力活动能量消耗(AEE)和体力活动水平(PAL)作为验证标准。结果通过CSA测量的平均每天活动计数(AC)与TEE、AEE和PAL之间均呈显著相关,偏相关系数 r 分别为0.31、0.30、0.26(P<0.05)。逐步多元回归分析表明,影响TEE的因素包括去脂体重或体重指数、AC(R2=0.52~0.70),影响AEE的因素包括AC、性别和去脂体重(R2=0.25~0.32)。结论　CSA能准确测量中国成年人日常体力活动模式,AC可以解释TEE和AEE的变异。     

Determinants of free-living energy expenditure in normal weight and obese women measured by doubly labeled water

Total free-living energy expenditure (TEE) was measured in 9 normal weight controls and 5 obese women using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. Resting energy expenditure (REE) and the thermic effect of food (TEF) were measured by indirect calorimetry and the energy cost of physical activity (PA) calculated by deduction, in order to quantify the components and identify determinants of free-living TEE. Although REE was quantitatively the major component of TEE in both groups, PA best explained the variability, contributing 76% to the variance in free-living TEE. The obese women had elevated values for TEE (12397 +/- 2565 vs. 8339 +/- 1787 kJ/d, mean +/- SD; p < 0.005), compared with the control women. PA (5071 +/- 2385 vs. 2552 +/- 1452; p < 0.05) and REE (6393 +/- 678 vs. 5084 +/- 259; p < 0.0005) were also raised in the obese, whereas TEF was not significantly different between the groups, accounting for 7.6% of energy expenditure for the obese and 8% for the control subjects. Body weight was the single best determinant of mean daily free-living TEE across both groups. We conclude that PA and body weight are the main determinants of free-living TEE.     

A feasibility study comparing two metabolic monitors in hospitalised patients following an ischaemic stroke

Background: Data on the energy requirements of patients following acute ischaemic stroke are scarce. A recent draft report highlighted the lack of data on physical activity levels during and following acute illness (SACN, 2009). The aims of this study were to establish if two metabolic monitors (CCM Express? and the Sensewear? armband) were feasible for use in hospitalised stroke patients and to determine the relative contributions of resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity to total energy expenditure (TEE). Methods: Eleven medically stable patients (seven male; four female) were recruited within 7 days of ischaemic stroke. Exclusion criteria: unable to give informed consent, receiving renal replacement therapy, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg m^?2, known nickel allergy or receiving end‐of‐life care. All subjects were fasted from midnight and REE was measured early in the morning using the CCM Express? for a period of up to 1 h (including establishment of steady‐state (i.e. <10% difference in minute to minute VO₂ and VCO₂ measurements over 5 min). Concurrently, TEE was measured using the Sensewear? armband for a period of 24 h. Assessments of patient acceptability and tolerance of both metabolic monitors were conducted by direct observation, completion of a checklist and, where clinically appropriate, a brief patient questionnaire. REE was compared with predicted basal metabolic rate (BMR) (Henry, 2005) and physical activity was estimated using the Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) method, where 1.0 MET is equivalent to the energy expended at rest. Results: Mean age was 69.8 years (range 42–84 years) and mean (SD) BMI was 25.4 (5.2) kg m^?2. All subjects were able to tolerate measurement of REE using the CCM Express?, although the facemask caused some discomfort to one subject with facial abrasions. Mean (SD) REE was 1257 (357) kcal day^?1 and, perhaps unexpectedly, was lower than predicted BMR [1503 (226) kcal day^?1; t‐test, P = 0.07]. It was, however, difficult to achieve steady‐state in four patients; thus, these REE measurements were unreliable. All subjects were able to tolerate measurement of TEE using the Sensewear? armband. Mean (SD) TEE was 1663 (303) kcal day^?1. Physical activity on the ward was very low, with subjects expending very little more energy than would be expected at rest [METS = 1.01 (SD 0.15)]. Discussion: Both metabolic monitors were well tolerated by the subjects; however, the unreliable REE measurements in some patients made it impossible to determine the relative contribution of REE to TEE. The results obtained regarding TEE and the low activity level in this study were comparable to results reported in other metabolic studies of patients who have had a stroke (Weekes & Elia, 1992; Finestone et al., 2003; Leone & Pencharz, 2010). Conclusions: Both metabolic monitors were feasible for use in patients following ischaemic stroke; however, some measurements of REE using the CCM Express? were unreliable because of difficulties in establishing steady‐state and the reasons for this merit further investigation. In this group of patients, physical activity on the ward was very low following a stroke. References: Finestone, H.M., Greene‐Finestone, L.S., Foley, N.C. & Woodbury, M.G. (2003) Measuring longitudinally the metabolic demands of stroke patients. Stroke 34 , 502–507. Leone, A. & Pencharz, P.B. (2010) Resting energy expenditure in stroke patients who are dependent on tube feeding: a pilot study. Clin. Nutr. 29 , 370–372. Henry, C.J.K. (2005) Basal metabolic rate studies in humans: measurement and development of new equations. Public Health Nutr. 8 , 1133–1152. Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) (2009) Energy Requirements Working Group Draft Report. London: SACN. Weekes, C.E. & Elia, M. (1992) Resting energy expenditure and body composition following cerebro‐vascular accident. Clin. Nutr. 11 , 18–22.