Applicability of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the applicability of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the effects of OSA severity on REE. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine obese men, 41.5 ± 7 years old, with moderate and severe OSA were recruited. All subjects were submitted to a clinical polysomnography, body composition, and indirect calorimetry measurements. REE was also predicted by three different equations: Harris and Benedict (1919), Cunningham (1990), and DRI (2002). Results: No effects of OSA severity on REE were found. The measured REE (2416.0 ± 447.1 kcal/day) and the REE predicted by equations were different from each other (F = 2713.88; p < 0.05): Harris and Benedict (2128.0 ± 245.8 kcal/day), Cunningham (1789.1 ± 167.8 kcal/day) and DRI (2011.1 ± 181.4 kcal/ day). Pearson correlations showed a moderate positive correlation between the REE measured and predicted by all equations. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that predictive equations for REE underestimate the energy expenditure in obese patients with sleep apnea. Also, no effects of OSA severity on REE were found. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2017;61(3):257-62.

Concepts of indirect calorimetry on metabolic disorders: a narrative review

“…It is essential to note differences among the terms BMR and REE, which in some publications have been considered as synonymous interchanged. However, BMR is measured post-absorptively (without food intake for at least 12 hours), in the supine position at complete rest under quiet ambient conditions, in a thermal-neutral temperature setting and darkened lightning in the morning after 8 hours of sleep and no exercise for the previous 24 h 3,5 . By contrast, REE can be performed at any time of the day, in the sitting or supine position, resting in advance at least 15 minutes.…”