Term: Energy Expenditure - (CCHS Survey Data)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-10-24

Definition:

A measure of physical activity in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), it is calculated using the frequency and duration per session of the physical activity as well as the metabolic equivalent (MET) value of the activity. Energy expenditure is expressed as the average kilocalories expended per kilogram of body weight per day. The MET is a value of metabolic energy cost expressed as a multiple of the resting metabolic rate. For example, an activity of 4 METS requires four times the amount of energy as compared to when the body is at rest. The energy expenditure is calculated by multiplying the length of time (in hours) an individual spent doing an activity by the MET value for that activity. For example, if an individual goes cycling daily for two hours on average, and bicycling has a MET value of 4, their energy expenditure would be 8 kcal/kg/day.

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