Energy Expenditure from ECAL Indirect Calorimeter in Weight Management
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomized, controlled trial to evaluate impact of energy expenditure information from indirect calorimeter on the outcome of weight loss during a standardised multicomponent weight management intervention in non-diabetic & pre-diabetic obese subjects
IRAS ID
249859
Contact name
John Wilding
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool / Liverpool Joint Research Office
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and resting energy expenditure (REE) have been established to be higher in obese individuals, indicating excess energy intake leading to maintenance of excess weight. TDEE calculated via predictive equations in obese hospitalised patients were only accurate in about half of the patients, and tend to overestimate. Measurement of REE serves as an important component of comprehensive nutrition assessment in institutions providing weight management interventions for obese patients. Limited experience and technical variabilities of indirect calorimetry use in obese individuals require further development and exploration. We aim to investigate the hypothesis that utilising energy expenditure information (REE and respiratory quotient) measured from indirect calorimetry would influence the outcome of weight loss in obese individuals. This randomised controlled trial is designed to compare weight loss outcomes amongst individuals that are currently receiving standard care in a tier 3 weight management programme versus the intervention group where both participants and clinicians receive measured energy expenditure information from a portable device, the ECAL indirect calorimeter (CE mark, ISO 13485 certification). In a resting state, indirect calorimeter measures the volume of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and expired carbon dioxide (FiCO2) over 8-10 minutes to determine an individual's resting EE over 24 hours and respiratory quotient. Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of carbon dioxide produced by the body to oxygen consumed by the body. RQ value indicates the macronutrients that are being metabolised as different energy pathways are used for fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. We propose that RQ could prove useful as a prognostic marker for long-term effectiveness of low calorie diet to induce and maintain weight loss.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0645
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion