Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans
Published on: June 2, 2023
A novel approach for measuring energy expenditure in free-living humans
Edward L Melanson1, John C Dykstra, Neil Szuminsky
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at the University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80045, USA. ed.melanson@ucdenver.edu
Abstract:
Measuring energy expenditure (EE) in free-living humans is difficult. In this study, we validated a novel instrument that measures free-living EE from direct calorimetry, i.e. the heat produced by the body. The sensor can be worn on the upper arm and measures all four forms of heat flux--conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation. The accuracy of this device was compared to a whole-room indirect calorimeter.
Related Concept Videos
Metabolic Rate
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence the...
Energy Balance
Energy Budgets and Reproductive Strategies

