Unlike previous large-scale studies that examine base metabolic rates or the amount of energy the body uses to maintain vital functions, the study looked at people’s total metabolic rate, the amount of energy they use throughout their day, walking around, working and even thinking. To do this, the research team used data from “doubly labelled water” studies, long considered the gold standard for measuring daily energy expenditure in real-life conditions. These studies have participants drink water that has had its hydrogen and oxygen atoms replaced with naturally occurring “heavy” forms and measuring how quickly they are flushed out of the body.
The study’s results and the building of a large, international data set have opened a range of new avenues for research into the metabolism and associated health conditions.
“At Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, our research is focused on the most pressing health needs of the population in the region, specifically diabetes and obesity. Having this new resource available means we will be able to supplement the research data we have already collected to build a more accurate and detailed picture and look into how it varies regionally – something that can only benefit our patients,” concludes Dr Lessan.