£80 // 45 mins
Indirect calorimetry is the method by which energy metabolism is estimated from gas exchange measurements (carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption).
Tests are performed with a face mask, which is used to convey exhaled and inhaled gas through a flowmeter and gas analyser.
It is a non-invasive and highly accurate method of calculating resting metabolic rate, with an error rate lower than 1%.
Nutritional interventions can then be based on the data collected to more closely match the requirements of the individual and their goals.
Weight Management
Various approaches are used to help individuals lose weight, but at a minimum a calorie deficit must be achieved. Measuring resting energy expenditure provides the data necessary to determine calorie intake for safe and effective weight loss, and importantly, weight maintenance after successful weight loss.
One of the most challenging aspects of weight management is helping individuals who have failed to achieve optimal weight loss or experience a weight-loss plateau; this is often a result of misconception about their energy needs. Behavioural research indicates individuals may be more likely to adhere to recommendations that are based on a measurement of their unique metabolism.
Health and Performance
To maintain energy balance, the energy provided by food must equal the energy expended by the body. The long term energy balance is essential for health and for performance.
If energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, the excess energy will be stored, mostly in the form of body fat; this can be detrimental to performance, especially in weight sensitive sports.
On the other hand, if energy intake is not sufficient to meet energy demands, stored energy in the form of carbohydrate and fat will be used to meet the demand. This may not cause problems on a controlled short-term basis, however, it can lead to what's known as ‘Relative energy deficiency in sport’ (RED-S).
RED-S is a syndrome that refers to various health complications, which includes impaired function in metabolic rate, reproductive health, bone density, immunity, protein synthesis (growth & repair), and cardiovascular health.
Indirect calorimetry can help establish safe lower limits for energy intake during periods of weight loss and minimise the risks associated with calorie restriction.
