Measurement of energy metabolism
Chronic diseases that trigger inflammation in the body can change the energy metabolism. The patient's energy requirements cannot then be calculated using the usual formulas. Especially in tumor patients, the calculated value often deviates from the measured energy metabolism at rest. For example, patients with colorectal carcinoma showed a higher energy metabolism with increasing tumor aggressiveness.
The actual energy turnover can be determined by indirect calorimetry (spiroergometry). With this method, carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption are determined at rest, thus determining the energy turnover and substrate turnover of the carbohydrate and fat metabolism. With the help of the measured energy metabolism at rest, the energy supply can be adapted to the actual energy requirements of the patient and a diet tailored to the patient's needs can be ensured.
Furthermore, indirect calorimetry can be used to determine the ideal exercise intensity for fat burning and weight loss in obese patients.