Energy Requirement Methodology

Abstract Knowledge of energy requirements throughout the life cycle and during various physiological conditions and disease states is essential to the promotion of optimal human health. Since available instruments for measurement of dietary intake have demonstrated considerable misreporting, investigators have focused on measurement of energy expenditure, which can be accurately measured. In an effort to estimate energy requirements, one can measure total energy expenditure or the components of total energy expenditure which include resting energy expenditure and energy expended in physical activity. Because of the high cost and time needed for measurement of energy expenditure, clinicians often rely heavily on prediction equations to estimate energy requirements. However, it is important to keep in mind that these equations often do not account for variables such as body composition, race, age, or the effect of disease states.