What question did this study set out to answer?

The research focuses on understanding energy expenditure and human metabolism in the context of obesity.

January 1, 2010Open Access

Energy Expenditure: Measurement of Human Metabolism

Key Points

The research focuses on understanding energy expenditure and human metabolism in the context of obesity.
Evaluation of national health surveys, like NHANES
Assessment of body mass index levels in adults
Analysis of health conditions linked to obesity
One third of US adults are overweight and another third are obese
Obesity increases risks for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers
Economic burden of obesity-related medical costs in the US exceeds 147 billion dollars in 2008

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, especially in the United States. While the United States gained an early lead in unnecessary weight gain, most other countries are quickly closing the gap. The latest U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm) documents that about one third of adults in the United States are now overweight a body-mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg/m2 and another one third (61 million) are considered obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). Being obese is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, and depression. The economic impact of this condition is staggering: in 2008, more than 147 billion dollars were spent just in the United States for medical costs related to obesity. Time lost from work and spending on weight loss costs even more.

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