The Calculus of Calories: Quantitative Physiology of Energy Metabolism and Body Weight Regulation

We know a great deal about how diet and physical activity impact various aspects of energy metabolism, body weight, and body composition. But integrating this knowledge to make quantitative predictions is a formidable task given the complex interactions between the metabolism of fat, carbohydrate, and protein, as well as adaptations of energy expenditure, and nonlinear changes of body composition. Several mathematical models have recently been developed by my research group to integrate whole‐body metabolism data with body composition data in an attempt to better understand these complex interactions and make quantitative predictions about how diet modifications result in adaptations of fuel selection and energy expenditure. I will describe a model of human metabolism that accurately predicts body weight and composition changes in both obese and non‐obese men and women and provides several useful insights regarding human metabolism and body weight regulation.