A computational model to determine energy intake during weight loss.

Background: Energy intake (EI) during weight loss is difficult and costly to measure accurately.

Objective: The objective was to develop and validate a computational energy balance differential equation model to determine individual EI during weight loss.

Design: An algorithm was developed to quantify EI during weight loss based on a validated one-dimensional model for weight change. By using data from a 24-wk calorie-restriction study, we tested the validity of the EI model against 2 criterion measures: 1) EI quantified through food provision from weeks 0-4 and 4-12 and 2) EI quantified through changes in body energy stores [measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)] and energy expenditure [measured with doubly labeled water (DLW)] from weeks 4-12 and 12-24.

Results: Compared with food provision, the mean (±SD) model errors were 41 ± 118 kcal/d and -22 ± 230 kcal/d from weeks 0-4 and 4-12, respectively. Compared with EI measured with DXA and DLW, the model errors were -71 ± 272 kcal/d and -48 ± 226 kcal/d from weeks 4-12 and 12-24, respectively. In every comparison, the mean error was never significantly different from zero (P values > 0.10). Furthermore, Bland and Altman analysis indicated that error variance did not differ significantly over amounts of EI (P values > 0.26). Almost all individual participants' values were within CI limits.

Conclusion: The validity of the newly developed EI model was supported by experimental observations and can be used to determine an individual participant's EI during weight loss.