THE BASAL METABOLISM IN OBESITY

Abstract

A year ago I reported some observations of the gaseous metabolism in four cases of obesity and one of acromegaly.1 At present I wish to discuss the findings in these cases somewhat further, and at the same time to report observations on eight new cases.2The object in view has been to determine whether any gross dis- turbances in the metabolism as shown by the basal gas exchange occur in obesity.The method has been described in the previous paper and consists, briefly, in the determination of the gas exchange in the n\l=u"\chternsub- ject, lying prone, in a moderately warm room, and the calculation of the heat production by indirect calorimetry from the oxygen absorption and the calorific value of oxygen for the respiratory quotient obtained.3In judging of the normality of any given metabolism the body sur- face is unquestionably a better criterion than the body weight.This has been discussed in previous papers.1,4It was also pointed out that the DuBois linear formula5 is far more accurate than Meeh's, particularly when one is dealing with obese subjects.Consequently in the present research, as well as in