Comparative effects of caloric restriction and metabolic acceleration on body composition in obesity.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Change in body weight, total body fat and the fat free body was evaluated in 4 patients during moderate caloric restriction (600–800 CAL), severe caloric restriction (150 CAL)and moderate caloric restriction plus metabolic acceleration (600–800 CAL +900 mg desiccatedthyroid). Compositional changes were obtained from the distribution of tritiated water, nitrogen balance and measurement of corporeal density (helium dilution). Weight loss averaged 235 g/day with moderate caloric restriction, was increased with severe caloric restriction (338 g/day) and was maximal (450 g/day) with metabolic acceleration. In contrast, fat loss which averaged 213 g/day with moderate caloric restriction was unchanged with severe caloric restriction (196 g/day) or metabolic acceleration (222 g/day). Loss of the fat free body which was minimal with moderate caloric restriction (22 g/day) increased significantly with severe caloric restriction(143 g/day) and was greatest with caloric restriction plus metabolic acceleratio...