OBJECTIVEThe present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the factorial method for estimating energy needs in individuals living in China.

METHODSSixteen healthy female adults aged 22.1±1.2 years with a body mass index (kg/m(2)) of 20.4±1.7 were selected as subjects. In free-living conditions, energy expenditure (EE) was determined by using the factorial method. At the same time, the doubly labeled water method (DLW) was also used to measure energy expenditure of the subjects and served as the criterion method. EE predicted by the factorial method (EE(factorial)) was compared with the simultaneous measurement of EE by the validated DLW method (EE(DLW)).

RESULTSThere was excellent agreement between EE(factorial) (7.46±0.59 MJ/d) and EE(DLW) (7.64 ± 0.49 MJ/d), with a difference of -2.6±4.9% (-0.18±0.36 MJ/d). No significant differences were found between the two methods. EE(factorial) was highly correlated with EE(DLW) (r=0.795, P<0.001) and a good agreement for individuals was found by using the Bland and Altman test.

CONCLUSIONThe factorial method gives satisfactory estimates of EE for both groups and individuals living in China.

Adult ; China ; Energy Metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Motor Activity ; physiology ; Radioisotope Dilution Technique ; Young Adult