ASSESSING ENERGY REQUIREMENTS AND BODY COMPOSITION: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

TL;DRAbstract

Paediatric obesity arises as a result of a positive energy balance. A positive energy balance may be due to a reduced energy expenditure or increased energy intake. The reduced energy expenditure is often due to a reduced energy cost of activity, but a reduction in energy expenditure at rest can sometimes occur. In some disease states, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, energy imbalance may be a result of a decrease in resting energy expenditure, due to alterations in body composition, or energy metabolism. Regardless of the aetiology, the basis of dietary prescription to create an energy deficit relies on the accurate assessment of energy requirements. The use of the doubly labelled water method to measure total energy expenditure, and in turn, energy requirements, is impractical and costly in a clinical setting. As a result, predictive equations and self-reported measures of physical activity and energy intake, to establish baseline energy requirements, are frequently used. Current

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