Estimating energy requirements

Women energy requirements need be balance with total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Hence, meeting of energy needs for all components of TDEE must be the most important concern for active females. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), thermic effect of food (TEF), and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) are the most important components of TDEE; where the most variable is the PAEE. The quantification of each component implies time consuming and expensive techniques, which are unviable in field and clinical settings. However, indirect methods have been developed to allow coaches, physicians, and nutritionists estimate TDEE. In this chapter, we cover the physiological relevance of RMR, TEF, and PAEE, and the indirect ways to obtain estimations of their values. On the other hand, other variables factors affecting TDEE as adaptive thermogenesis and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) are highlighted. Finally, a case study is suggested in order to introduce basic metabolic calculations and physical activity level (PAL) concept.