Protein and Calorie Requirements Associated With the Presence of Obesity

Abstract

Obesity compounds the metabolic response to critical illness and increases the risk for overfeeding complications due to its comorbidities. Hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy affords the hospitalized patient with obesity the opportunity to achieve net protein anabolism with a reduced risk of overfeeding complications. The intent of this review is to provide the theoretical framework for development of a hypocaloric high-protein regimen, scientific evidence to support this mode of therapy, and unique considerations for its use in specialized subpopulations. Macronutrient goals and practical suggestions for patient monitoring are given.

Keywords: clinical outcomes; critical illness; enteral nutrition; nitrogen balance; obesity; parenteral nutrition.