(P11-057-25) The Energy Balance Initiative: A Study Protocol

Objectives: The Energy Balance Initiative (EBI) was created by an interprofessional group of experts to address the limitations of the current Energy Balance Equation (EBE) and its applications. The objectives are multifaceted to enhance the precision and personalization of energy balance assessments (EBA), promote benefits in weight management, and encourage self-assessments by consumers.
1. To improve and personalize the EBA (kcal/d) for weight maintenance;
2. To promote the benefits of incorporating individualized EBAs into weight management plans, setting reasonable goals and understanding how extraneous methods (such as GLP-1, fasting, hormones, surgery, etc.) affect weight regulation, dietary intake (EI), physical activity (EE) and overall healthy behaviors; and,
3. To initiate self-assessments of EBA to assist individuals in developing reasonable goals, foster healthy diets and physical activities and be empowered to take an active role in making appropriate energy adjustments.

Methods: Twelve experts were convened to evaluate protocols and common practices of the EBE, and to develop Expert Consensus Based (ECB) and Innovative Trial Based (ITB) recommendations where Evidence-Based approaches were not identified. Workshops and training opportunities were convened to identify and evaluate current and new methods, technological advances and application of AI. Three workshops :1) EB Assessment; 2) EB Application and Skills Development; and 3) a “Hands On” EB Methods in Action were presented live, edited, pre-recorded and made available at energybalanceinitiative.com. Eleven CPEUs were granted (4.0, 4.25 and 2.75 for WS1, WS2 and WS3, respectively ). An annual update conference is being planned and a consumer-oriented e-book outlining the EB Assessment methodology is in process.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: The EBI is poised to make significant advancements in the field of weight management by addressing the limitations of the EBE and promoting weight maintenance as the new frontier for successful weight management. Training professionals to include personalized EBAs as part of the weight management plan and initiating self-assessments by consumers will contribute to healthier results. Importantly, the effects of extraneous methods (such as GLP-1, etc.) on weight loss and healthy lifestyle factors will be better understood.

Funding Sources: 1. St. Jeor Nutrition Associates, PLLC (dba GenQuest Nutrition, Reno, NV. (Dr. Sachiko St. Jeor, CEO and Owner)
2. TF Health, (dba Breezing), Tempe, AZ (Shuang Huang, CEO and Dr. Erica Forzani, Co-Founder)
3. Diet ID (Dr. David Katz (CEO and Founder)
4. Accusplit, Inc. Pleasanton, CA. (Mr. Ron Sutton, President and Mr. Pedometer)
5. Expert Panel Members (volunteer efforts)