The Whole Body Calorimeter System delivered by Maastricht Instruments BV offers a turnkey solution for customers active within the field of Metabolic Research. The state-of-the-art technology is part of most advanced metabolic research facilities in Europe and Asia, supporting ground breaking research on human metabolism and energy expenditure.

The whole body indirect calorimeter has undergone active development by experts from Maastricht University’s Department of Human Biology and Maastricht Instruments BV during the past three decades. The validated, high performance system is internationally sought-after by major institutions and companies and has been used in numerous research publications. This article features two world-class facilities that acquired the whole body indirect calorimeters.

“The research we will undertake at this world-class facility will shape future treatment of conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which are major healthcare priorities.” -- Professor Sudhesh Kumar, Professor of Medicine at Warwick Medical School and University Hospital, Coventry

Human Metabolism Unit in Warwick Medical School (WMS), UK

The whole body indirect calorimeter was featured with the launch of Europe’s most advanced metabolic research facility in the West Midlands, a region with a staggering 7 out of 10 people being classified as either overweight or obese (Health Survey for England, 2016).  Two custom-built whole body calorimeters are part of an extensive suite of facilities at the Human Metabolism Unit in Warwick Medical School (WMS) and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW). The whole body indirect calorimeters have been supporting metabolism research including research laboratories at the hospital, the WISDEM Centre (Warwick Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism) and the University’s Clinical Trials Unit. The system enables researchers to understand more about the role of nutrition, physical activity and other behavioural aspects (e.g. sleep) in weight control. Additionally, to identify biomarkers in metabolic disorders associated with weight gain, as well as observe real-time changes in metabolic functions linked to diabetes, obesity and their treatments.

“Our centre’s mission is to use evidence-based science to make “Food the New Medicine.” -– Professor Christiani Jeyakumar Henry, Deputy Executive Director of Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) and Director of Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore

Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore

The first in Asia to integrate the whole body indirect calorimeter to offer state-of-the-art facilities is the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC) — a joint initiative by the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) and the National University Health System (NUHS), specializing in human nutritional research in Singapore. Two such rooms are used for research and clinical activities to address emerging regional health and lifestyle concerns in dietary habits and the food guidelines for food and nutrition companies in the region. Nutrition research interests at the CNRC include investigating the influence of certain food ingredients (e.g. spices) in the control of blood glucose and if modification of food textures can alter the absorption and metabolism of food in the body. Discoveries from real-time monitoring of metabolic parameters and energy expenditure using this system are aimed at improving daily nutrition and combat nutritional challenges of the region.


Contact us to find out more about the Whole Body Calorimeters and indirect calorimetry systems.