Self recorded energy intakes were accurate in the lean subjects but underestimated expenditure by 3-5 MJ/day (837 kcal/day) in the obese group. Basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure on
thermogenesis plus activity were identical in the two groups when corrected for differences in fat free mass and total body mass.In the obese women in this series there was no evidence that
their obesity was caused by a metabolic or behavioural defect resulting in reduced energy expenditure.