A B S T R A C T ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe changes in the resting energy expenditure, substrate oxidation rate, and body composition in morbidly obese women subjected to short-term caloric restriction.
MethodsThis was a prospective study that included ten obese women with body mass index greater than 40 kg/m 2 and aged between 20-50 years. The participants were hospitalized for eight days and received a controlled conventional low-calorie diet, 1200 kcal/day, for seven days. Body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, body composition, resting energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation rate were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study.
ResultsA significant reduction in body weight (p=0.005), body mass index (p=0.005), abdominal circumference (p=0.005), fat mass (p=0.005) and fat-free mass (p=0.008) was observed at the end of the study. There was an average reduction in resting energy expenditure of approximately 124 kcal/day (5%). Substrate oxidation rate did not show statistically significant changes. There was a positive correlation only between body weight reduction and fat-free mass reduction (r=0.753; p=0.012).