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How many extra calories does being sick burn? 

Research Question

How many extra calories does being sick burn? 
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Academic Insights

Being sick can increase energy expenditure, but the exact number of extra calories burned varies depending on the severity and type of illness.

Key Insights

  • Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in Critical Illness:

    • REE is commonly measured in critically ill patients to determine caloric needs. In cases of severe burns, REE correlates with burn size, sepsis, and muscle protein catabolism .
    • Increased caloric intake beyond 1.2 times REE in burn patients results in increased fat mass without changes in lean body mass .
  • Caloric Intake During Acute Illness:

    • Excessive caloric intake during the acute phase of critical illness can lead to adverse effects such as overfeeding and inhibition of autophagy. A strategy of permissive underfeeding, matching a maximum of 70% of energy expenditure, is recommended .
    • Energy expenditure in critically ill patients is influenced by the catabolic phase of the illness, which can vary over time and between patients .
  • Measurement Techniques:

    • Indirect calorimetry is considered the gold standard for measuring energy expenditure, but it is not always necessary for setting energy goals in critical illness. Weight-based predictive equations (e.g., 25 kcal/kg/day) can provide a useful approximation .

Conclusion

Illness can increase energy expenditure, but the additional caloric needs depend on the type and severity of the illness. Accurate measurement of energy expenditure, such as through indirect calorimetry, can help tailor nutritional support, but simpler predictive equations are often sufficient in clinical practice.

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Related Questions

  • What factors influence calorie burn when sick?
  • How does fever affect calorie expenditure?
  • Can illness lead to weight loss?
  • What are the signs of burning extra calories when unwell?
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