Energy expenditure

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Energy Expenditure

Energy expenditure (pronunciation: /ˈenərjē ikˈspendəCHər/) refers to the amount of energy that a person uses to perform different activities. It is a crucial concept in the fields of nutrition, physiology, and health sciences.

Etymology

The term "energy expenditure" is derived from the English words "energy" and "expenditure". "Energy" comes from the Greek word "energeia", which means activity or operation, while "expenditure" originates from the Latin word "expendere", meaning to pay out or spend.

Definition

Energy expenditure is the total amount of calories that a person burns for body functions at rest, physical activity, and digestion. It is usually measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ). The three main components of energy expenditure are:

Measurement

Energy expenditure can be measured using various methods, including:

  • Direct calorimetry: Measures the amount of heat produced by the body.
  • Indirect calorimetry: Estimates energy expenditure by measuring the amount of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced by the body.
  • Doubly labeled water (DLW): A highly accurate method that measures total energy expenditure over a period of time.

Importance

Understanding energy expenditure is essential for determining an individual's dietary needs, managing weight control, and assessing the risk of metabolic diseases. It is also a key factor in the study of obesity and physical fitness.

Related Terms

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