Comparison of energy estimation equations with measured energy expenditurein obese adolescent patients with cancer

Obesity is increasing in the US adolescent population. As the number of obe se adolescents increases, obesity is becoming a more frequent problem in th e hospital setting, sometimes causing patients to have complicated and prol onged hospital stays. Calculation of the energy requirements of obese adole scent patients with chronic diseases such as cancer is complicated by incre ased energy requirements as a result of disease state and growth. This stud y examined the accuracy of the commonly used equations for calculating ener gy requirements. Estimated energy expenditure was compared with measured en ergy expenditure determined by indirect calorimetry. All energy estimation equations were inaccurate, which indicates the need for a specific equation for determination of energy needs in this special patient population. Unti l further research is done, indirect calorimetry is recommended for all obe se adolescent patients with cancer who require nutrition support.