[Measurement of energy expenditure at rest in nutritional disorders. Study in 229 patients]

Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry, and body composition was evaluated by electrical body impedance analysis in 229 female patients with anorexia nervosa, cancer, non tumoral disease, obesity, and 42 healthy women. Results were compared with theoretical formulas based on anthropometry, and expressed by kilogram of body weight and lean body mass. Each group was compared with each other and with controls. Resting energy expenditure of controls is quite identical with the theoretical value; it is very low for anorectic patients, high for obese patients, high during non tumoral diseases, and higher during neoplastic diseases. Respiratory quotient shows catabolism of carbohydrates in anorectic patients, and lipid catabolism in other patients. Results are compared with literature data, and pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical use of the method are discussed.