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| Body composition analysis guides us when we work with patients. |
By Carolyn Hodges Chaffee
Owner and CEO
Metabolic testing and body composition analysis are two
state-of-the-art tests that are used to initially assess every patient treated
at the Upstate New York Eating Disorder Service. Ongoing reassessments with
these tests guide the treatment recommendations.
Here are some of the frequently-asked questions we receive and our answers:
Question:
What is metabolic testing and what do the results reveal?
Answer: Metabolic
testing, or indirect calorimetry, is an actual measurement of the body’s
resting energy expenditure (REE). The results are used to accurately assess the
nutritional status of the patient. The results of the non-invasive breathing
tests show us how the body adapts if it is being underfed. Metabolic testing
determines how many calories a body is burning at rest with no activity. It
also shows if the body is breaking down its own protein stores.
Q: Why do
new patients undergo metabolic testing?
A: It gives us
information about how the body is responding to how it is being fed. People can
be normal weight or overweight and still be very malnourished. This test shows
us what is going on inside the body, and it helps us identify individuals at
high risk.
It is also very useful with people who don’t think they have a
problem because their weight is normal. It is not unusual to find that these
patients are underfeeding their bodies but maintaining a higher weight because
their body has slowed down.
Q: How do
you use the metabolic profile?
A: It
provides us with an accurate picture of how malnourished a person is. We use it
as an educational tool with patients. It is very helpful for the patient to
know that underfeeding the body is causing the body to break down its own
protein stores and it is pre-aging the body.
Q: What is
body composition analysis and what do the results tell you?
A: Body
composition analysis is a measurement of the body’s lean mass and fat mass. The
test also assesses the cell integrity and hydration of the body. The results
help determine the long-term effects malnutrition has had on the body.
Q: What are
the benefits to you and the patient in using body composition analysis on a
regular basis?
A: We use it
for many different things. We use it to assess minimum recommended weight, but
we mainly use it to guide us when working with the patient. The results help us
to see how the body is responding to the food intake. We can also monitor
people that are high risk to refeed because of medical complications such as
refeeding edema (swelling that occurs when the body is refed). The results also
help us identify people who may have low bone density.
Q: What do
you tell patients about why you use these tools in their treatment?
A: The
results are invaluable. We are able to provide patients with actual tests that
show just what is happening to their bodies. Bloodwork seldom shows
abnormalities until a patient is severely depleted, and even then, bodies
compensate and labs often are within normal limits. Metabolic testing, for
example, is a very fine measurement and shows abnormalities much sooner. This
type of test helps you determine how much the body is being affected by the
symptom use (restricting, bingeing, purging, laxative use, compulsive exercise,
etc.).
Q: Why is
it important to educate clinicians and patients about the tests?
A: Some
clinicians are not familiar with the tests and need to be educated about how to
interpret the results. By educating patients, they become much more
knowledgeable about what happens when the body is underfed.
