ABSTRACT
Individuals whose body mass and body composition remain stable over a period of time are in energy balance. This occurs when the energy expended over the period of time is matched by the energy consumed. Changes in the type and amount of the macronutrients, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein, and their rates of oxidation are an integral component of energy balance. In general, increases in the intake of carbohydrates and protein lead to increases in their rate of oxidation, whereas an increase in fat intake fails to increase fat oxidation. Energy expenditure is one side of the energy balance equation, and any changes in energy expenditure without changes in intake can result in weight loss or weight gain. Energy intake can be estimated from a variety of techniques which in effect determine the amount and type of foods consumed over a period of time.
