Total Energy Expenditure
The assessment of total energy expenditure (TEE) can be used to develop and evaluate interventions to improve diet and increase physical activity, and to validate energy intake methods. The IAEA supports the application of the doubly labelled water (DLW) technique. This reference method is the only technique that enables the assessment of TEE under free-living conditions without disruption to everyday activities, making it ideal for use in many field settings. Please visit the related links to the right for more information on the theoretical background as well as the practical application of the DLW technique.
IAEA Publications
Assessment of Body Composition and Total Energy Expenditure in Humans Using Stable Isotope Techniques IAEA Human Health Series No. 3; 2009, 133 pp. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
Provides information on the theoretical background, including safety considerations, as well as the practical application of state of the art methodologies to monitor changes in body composition and total energy expenditure, and reflects recent advances in analytical techniques.
IAEA E-learning modules
Additional resources
- Doubly Labelled Water Technique to assess Total Daily Energy Expenditure
- The doubly-labelled water method for measuring energy expenditure. Technical recommendations for use in humans. A consensus report by the International Dietary Energy Consultancy Group (IAEA-NAHRES-4, Vienna 1990): The content of this report is still relevant and valid, although it was prepared in 1990. Only the details of the IRMS instrumentation in chapter 3 are out of date, but the principles remain the same.
- Human Energy Requirements Report of a Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation Rome, 17-24 October 2001. UNU/WHO/FAO, Rome, 2004. The recommendations in this report are still the current recommendations.