2.6. Indirect Calorimetry
REE was measured using indirect calorimetry (V MAX 29n, Sensor Medics, Yorba Linda, CA, USA). The device was calibrated before each measurement. Measurements were performed between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. in a quiet, temperature-controlled room (22 ± 3 °C). The readings were analysed to see if the subject reached a steady state condition, indicated by the stability of oxygen and carbon dioxide volumes for at least five minutes. The metabolic test lasted between 25 min and 45 min. REE was calculated according to Weir’s Equation (7). Values of REE were presented unadjusted (kcal/day) and adjusted for FFM (kcal/day/kg).