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Updated: May 22, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
Modeling metabolic adaptations and energy regulation in humans
1Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. kevinh@niddk.nih.gov
Abstract:
Mathematical modeling of human energy regulation and body weight change has recently reached the level of sophistication required for accurate predictions. Mathematical models are beginning to provide a quantitative framework for integrating experimental data in humans and thereby help us better understand the dynamic imbalances of energy and macronutrients that give rise to changes in body weight and composition. This review provides an overview of the various approaches that have been used to model body weight dynamics and energy regulation in humans, highlights several insights that these models have provided, and suggests how mathematical models can serve as a guide for future experimental research.
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