Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Publication Date

4-1-2023

Journal

Nature Metabolism

Abstract

Obesity is caused by prolonged positive energy balance1,2. Whether reduced energy expenditure stemming from reduced activity levels contributes, is debated3,4. Here we used the IAEA DLW database on energy expenditure of adults in the USA and Europe (n = 4799) to explore patterns in total (TEE: n=4799), basal (BEE: n = 1432) and physical activity energy expenditure (AEE: n = 1432) over time. In both sexes total energy expenditure (TEE) adjusted for body composition and age declined with time, while adjusted AEE increased over time. In males adjusted BEE decreased significantly, but in females this didn’t reach significance. A larger dataset of basal metabolic rate (BMR equivalent to BEE) measurements of 9912 adults across 163 studies spanning 100 years replicated the decline in BEE in both sexes. Increasing obesity in the USA/Europe has probably not been fueled by reduced physical activity leading to lowered TEE. We identify here decline in adjusted BEE, as a previously unrecognized novel factor.

Keywords

Male, Female, United States, Humans, Health Expenditures, Exercise, Basal Metabolism, Energy Metabolism, Obesity

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