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Energy Balance

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The human body gets energy from the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Energy is released when the chemical bonds in the organic compounds present in the food are broken down. The energy content of food is measured in kilocalories (kcal), defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. This value is determined by measuring the temperature change of the water surrounding a calorimeter after the complete...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

Published on: November 11, 2021

A computational model to determine energy intake during weight loss.

Diana M Thomas¹, Dale A Schoeller, Leanne A Redman

¹Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA. thomasdia@mail.montclair.edu

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

|October 22, 2010

Summary

Accurately measuring energy intake during weight loss is challenging. A new computational model was developed and validated, showing reliable individual energy intake estimations during weight loss.

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

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Published on: November 11, 2021

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Concept Development and Use of an Automated Food Intake and Eating Behavior Assessment Method

Concept Development and Use of an Automated Food Intake and Eating Behavior Assessment Method

Published on: February 19, 2021

Area of Science:

Metabolic research
Nutritional science
Computational modeling

Background:

Accurate measurement of energy intake (EI) during weight loss is complex and expensive.
Existing methods for quantifying EI during weight loss are often impractical for individual assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a computational model for determining individual EI during weight loss.
To establish a reliable method for assessing energy balance in individuals undergoing weight reduction.

Main Methods:

Developed a computational energy balance differential equation model based on a validated weight change model.
Validated the model using data from a 24-week calorie restriction study.
Compared model-derived EI with food provision and with EI calculated from body composition (DXA) and energy expenditure (DLW) measurements.

Main Results:

The model demonstrated low mean errors compared to food provision (0-4 weeks: 41 ± 118 kcal/d; 4-12 weeks: -22 ± 230 kcal/d).
Model errors were also low when compared to EI derived from DXA and DLW measurements (4-12 weeks: -71 ± 272 kcal/d; 12-24 weeks: -48 ± 226 kcal/d).
Mean errors were not significantly different from zero, and error variance was consistent across EI levels, with most individual values within confidence limits.

Conclusions:

The developed computational model is validated by experimental data.
This model provides a reliable method for determining individual energy intake during weight loss.