Measurements of energy balance.
Early investigators recognized a link between a mammal's rate of heat production and its body size and composition. A particular challenge has been to establish whether between- and within-species differences exist in the rate of cellular energy exchange, notably as resting metabolic rate. Between-species or between-individual differences in body size must be adjusted for in order to answer the question, "Is cellular heat production at rest high or low relative to some reference values?" This overview traces the history of the evolving concepts in this field, identifies gaps in present measurement methods, and suggests areas of potential future research.
Heymsfield
S B
SB
Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10025, USA. sbh2@columbia.edu
D000328:Adult; D001824:Body Constitution; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D012727:Sex Characteristics