Basal metabolic rate in narcoleptic patients
Norbert Dahmen1, Peter Tonn, Leila Messroghli
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Sleep
|July 31, 2009
Summary
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure (EE) were investigated in narcolepsy patients. Reduced BMR was observed in non-obese narcoleptics, suggesting EE plays a role in narcolepsy-associated obesity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolism and Endocrinology
- Neurology and Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Narcolepsy is often associated with obesity.
- The underlying mechanisms contributing to weight gain in narcolepsy are not fully understood.
- Investigating metabolic factors like basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure (EE) may elucidate these mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure (EE) in narcolepsy patients compared to controls.
- To test the hypothesis that reduced BMR or EE contributes to obesity in narcolepsy.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design comparing 13 narcolepsy patients with 30 age- and BMI-matched controls.
- Energy expenditure (EE) was measured using indirect calorimetry (Deltatrac Metabolic Monitor).
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was calculated from fasting oxygen and carbon dioxide consumption.
Main Results:
- Overall, BMR and EE did not differ significantly between narcolepsy patients and controls.
- Subgroup analysis revealed significantly reduced BMR in non-obese narcolepsy patients compared to controls.
- Obese narcolepsy patients did not show reduced BMR compared to obese controls.
Conclusions:
- Energy expenditure may play a role in the development of obesity associated with narcolepsy.
- Narcolepsy might influence an individual's body mass index (BMI) set point.
- Further research is warranted to understand the metabolic underpinnings of narcolepsy-associated obesity.
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