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Predictive Mathematical Models of Weight Loss

  • Obesity (KM Gadde, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Validated thermodynamic energy balance models that predict weight change are ever more in use today. Delivery of model predictions using web-based applets and/or smart phones has transformed these models into viable clinical tools. Here, we provide the general framework for thermodynamic energy balance model derivation and highlight differences between thermodynamic energy balance models using four representatives.

Recent Findings

Energy balance models have been used to successfully improve dietary adherence, estimate the magnitude of food waste, and predict dropout from clinical weight loss trials. They are also being used to generate hypotheses in nutrition experiments.

Summary

Applications of thermodynamic energy balance weight change prediction models range from clinical applications to modify behavior to deriving epidemiological conclusions. Novel future applications involve using these models to design experiments and provide support for treatment recommendations.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematical Sciences, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 10996, USA

    Diana M. Thomas & Michael Scioletti

  2. Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA

    Steven B. Heymsfield

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  1. Diana M. Thomas
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Correspondence to Diana M. Thomas.

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Conflict of Interest

Diana M. Thomas is the co-inventor of SmartLoss used in BodyKey. She does not receive any financial compensation for this invention.

Michael Scioletti and Steven B. Heymsfield declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Thomas, D.M., Scioletti, M. & Heymsfield, S.B. Predictive Mathematical Models of Weight Loss. Curr Diab Rep 19, 93 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1207-5

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