Estimation of energy expenditure and maintenance energy requirements of college-age men and women

Abstract

Data from two nationwide dietary surveys have led to the suggestion that human energy requirements have been overestimated. A 5-wk energy balance study was conducted to estimate the energy expenditure and maintenance energy requirements of 12 college-age men and women, 20 to 29 yr of age, by the factorial method and by measurement of energy intake and changes in body energy content (intake/balance technique). Mean daily energy expenditure estimated by the intake/balance technique and the factorial method, respectively, was 3081 and 3040 kcal (r = 0.90) for the male subjects and 2183 and 2283 kcal (r = 0.53) for the female subjects. Although differences between the intake/balance and factorial estimations of energy expenditure tended to be greater for individuals than groups and for females than males, the factorial method as performed in this study provided accurate estimations of energy expenditure. In addition, the estimated energy requirements of the college-age subjects in this study provide evidence to support the Recommended Dietary Allowances for energy for this age group.