Resting Energy Expenditure

Definition

Resting energy expenditure (REE) refers to the amount of energy, measured in calories, that the body requires to maintain basic physiological functions while at rest. This includes processes such as breathing, circulation, cellular production, and thermoregulation. REE is crucial for understanding a person's overall energy needs, especially in conditions of stress or illness where metabolic rates can significantly change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resting energy expenditure accounts for approximately 60-75% of total daily energy expenditure in most individuals.
2. Factors influencing REE include age, sex, body composition, hormonal status, and overall health condition.
3. In critically ill patients, REE may increase significantly due to hypermetabolism as the body responds to stress and injury.
4. Accurate measurement of REE is essential for developing appropriate nutrition plans for patients in the ICU to ensure they receive adequate caloric intake.
5. Changes in resting energy expenditure can serve as indicators of recovery or deterioration in patient status during critical care.

Review Questions

• How does resting energy expenditure differ between healthy individuals and those experiencing stress or injury?
  • Resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals is generally stable and predictable based on factors like age and body composition. However, in individuals experiencing stress or injury, REE can increase significantly due to hypermetabolism. This elevated REE reflects the body's heightened demand for energy as it mobilizes resources to support healing processes, manage inflammation, and maintain vital functions during periods of critical illness.
• Discuss the implications of measuring resting energy expenditure for nutrition management in ICU patients.
  • Measuring resting energy expenditure is critical for effective nutrition management in ICU patients because it provides an accurate assessment of their caloric needs. Accurate REE measurements help healthcare providers determine appropriate feeding strategies that align with the patient's metabolic demands. This ensures that patients receive sufficient nutrients to support recovery without risking overfeeding or underfeeding, which can lead to complications and prolong their stay in the ICU.
• Evaluate how understanding resting energy expenditure can influence clinical outcomes for patients recovering from surgery.
  • Understanding resting energy expenditure plays a vital role in influencing clinical outcomes for patients recovering from surgery. By accurately assessing a patient's REE, clinicians can tailor nutritional support to match the individual's specific metabolic needs during recovery. This personalized approach not only aids in preventing malnutrition but also promotes faster healing and reduced complications by ensuring that patients receive the right amount of energy and nutrients. Properly addressing REE can ultimately enhance recovery times and improve overall patient satisfaction with care.

Related terms

Basal Metabolic Rate: The rate of energy expenditure per unit time by endothermic animals at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, after the consumption of a fasting state.

Total Daily Energy Expenditure: The total number of calories burned by the body in a day, including all activities, exercise, and resting energy expenditure.

Hypermetabolism: An increased metabolic rate that often occurs in response to stress, injury, or illness, leading to a higher resting energy expenditure.