Experimental Biology 2012
San Diego, CA , USA
April 21, 2012
San Diego Convention Center

This special conference discussed “energy balance” in terms of a biological system in which energy intake and expenditure change over time in response to one another and to the environment. The evolving scientific understanding of how the inter-components of energy balance relate to the overall weight maintenance and reduction equation in a biological system were presented. Speakers explored how energy balance should be studied from a methodological perspective and how a new understanding of “energy balance” might impact current strategies to prevent weight gain or enhance weight loss. A panel session at the conclusion of the special conference discussed what research is needed to better inform our knowledge of energy balance.

Session Chairs: John Milner, PhD, National Cancer Institute, and Doris Tancredi, PhD, Kraft Foods, Inc.

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Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States and around the world with over 72 million individuals in the US considered obese. Creating a unified, successful obesity reduction strategy relies on understanding the underlying causes of obesity. IAFNS, the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) partnered to organize a consensus-style conference in spring 2011 to assess the state of the science on understanding energy balance and to develop parameters to help individuals understand and achieve energy balance. This special conference will discuss “energy balance” in terms of a biological system in which energy intake and expenditure change over time in response to one another and to the environment. The evolving scientific understanding of how the inter-components of energy balance relate to the overall weight maintenance and reduction equation in a biological system will be presented. Speakers will explore how energy balance should be studied from a methodological perspective and how a new understanding of “energy balance” might impact current strategies to prevent weight gain or enhance weight loss. A panel session at the conclusion of the special conference will discuss what research is needed to better inform our knowledge of energy balance.

Presentations

Welcome and Introductions
John Milner and Doris Tancredi

Defining Energy Balance
James Hill

Methodological Issues in Studying Energy Balance
Dale Schoeller

Statistical and Study Design Issues
David Allison

Effect of Manipulating Components of Energy Intake and Energy Expenditure
John Jakicic

Can Energy Be Altered by Exercise Alone?
Joseph Donnelly

Future Directions and Panel Discussion
John Milner

This event was supported by the IAFNS Committee on Balancing Food & Activity for Health.