Resting Energy Expenditure in Anorexia Nervosa: Measured vs Estimated
Author Information
Author(s): Marwan El Ghoch, Marta Alberti, Carlo Capelli, Simona Calugi, Riccardo Dalle Grave
Primary Institution: Villa Garda Hospital
Hypothesis
How do different methods of estimating resting energy expenditure compare in patients with anorexia nervosa?
Conclusion
The study found that the FitMate method and the Müller et al. equation provide accurate estimates of resting energy expenditure in anorexia nervosa patients, while the Harris-Benedict equation overestimates it.
Supporting Evidence
- The FitMate method and Müller et al. equation provided accurate REE estimates.
- The Harris-Benedict equation overestimated REE in anorexia nervosa patients.
- Participants had a mean BMI of 14.5 kg/m2, indicating severe underweight.
Takeaway
Doctors can use the FitMate method to better understand how much energy very thin patients with anorexia need, which helps them get better.
Methodology
The study compared resting energy expenditure measured by the Douglas bag method with estimates from the FitMate method, Harris-Benedict equation, and Müller et al. equation in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Potential Biases
The reliance on a single session for testing may affect the reliability of the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and lacked a control group.
Participant Demographics
15 patients (14 females, 1 male) with anorexia nervosa, aged 15 to 45 years, with a mean BMI of 14.5 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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