2.5. Resting Energy Expenditure
Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using a portable integrated metabolic cart system (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400, Salt Lake City, UT, USA) calibrated to room air and a single gas tank prior to each use. Participants were instructed to fast from 9:00 pm the prior evening until 7:00 a.m. on the morning of testing, refrain from consuming alcohol and excess caffeine during the 24 h prior to arrival, and avoid non-routine physical activities. Thermoneutral conditions (ambient temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity) were achieved, and participants were habituated to the canopy hood for five minutes prior to testing. Data was collected for 20 min at steady state where average change in minute VO