The body mass index is not associated with lipid or carbohydrate oxidation in hospitalized patients

Introduction: Energy balance is influenced by the oxidation of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). Objective: To characterize substrate utilization in normal weight and obese. Subjects and Methods: Bioelectrical impedance analysis and indirect calorimetry were used to determine the oxidation of carbohydrates and lipids in hospitalized patients. Subjects were divided into three groups: group 1: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg / m, group 2: BMI 25-29.9 kg / m and Group 3: BMI> 30 k/m(2). Groups of individuals were compared using ANOVA and, in some cases, after the Dunn test was applied (p <0.05 were considered significant). Results: 38 individuals (11 men and 27 women) with a mean age of 44.3 +/- 16.5 years of which 18 were eutrophic, 10 overweight and 10 obese. Obese subjects had higher resting energy expenditure than normal individuals. Obese and non-obese individuals oxidized similar amounts of carbohydrates and lipids. Conclusions: BMI was not associated with the oxidation of lipids and carbohydrates in hospitalized patients. The amount of fat mass is associated with the total amount of carbohydrate and lipid oxidation.