Determinants and prediction methods of total energy expenditure-Efforts at National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan

Abstract

The National Institute of Health and Nutrition, as a part of the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition at present, has put emphasis on energy metabolism research since its establishment in 1920. After 2000, the National Institute of Health and Nutrition introduced doubly labeled water method and human calorimeters and has also contributed to the establishment of energy requirements in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese. Inter-individual differences in physical activity level are large and difficult to accurately evaluate. Therefore, various studies have been conducted using not only subjective methods such as questionnaire but also objective methods such as accelerometry. Moreover, determinants of total energy expenditure and physical activity have been investigated, including comparison of physical activity level between normal-weight and obese adults. New evidences on contribution of brown adipose tissue activity and diseases on energy metabolism have been obtained. In the near future, research to elucidate the mechanism of energy balance, more accurate and variety of assessment of physical activity, and examination from the viewpoints of chrono-nutrition and chrono-exercise are expected.