A method is described for determining rapid changes in gaseous exchange between a subject and the environment, while living in a whole body opencircuit calorimeter. The formulae which must be applied to standard estimates of oxygen consumption are derived the computation of rates of change of gas concentration is discussed the sensitivity of estimated heat production to errors in gas concentration is determined and heat production shown to be largely independent of CO₂ measurements; and examples of veritication of the method for known rates of gas injection, and of its use with human subjects, are given. The method is of particular value in assessing the rapid changes in metabolic rate which occur as a result of changes in activity, nutritional state, environmental temperature and the administration of drugs. Such changes are monitored in an unrestrained subject living in a whole-body calorimeter rather than in a subject living with the restrictions imposed by a face-mask or ventilated hood.