A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines: Nutrition Support of Hospitalized Adult Patients With Obesity

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1 499374PENXXX / Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition XX(X)Choban et al research-article2013 Clinical Guidelines A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines: Nutrition Support of Hospitalized Adult Patients With Obesity Patricia Choban, MD 1 ; Roland Dickerson, PharmD, BCNSP 2 ; Ainsley Malone, MS, RD, CNSC 3 ; Patricia Worthington, MSN, RN 4 ; Charlene Compher, PhD, RD, CNSC, LDN, FADA, FASPEN 5 ; and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Volume 37 Number 6 November American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition DOI: / jpen.sagepub.com hosted at online.sagepub.com Abstract Background: Due to the high prevalence of obesity in adults, nutrition support clinicians are encountering greater numbers of obese patients who require nutrition support during hospitalization. The purpose of this clinical guideline is to serve as a framework for the nutrition support care of adult patients with obesity. Method: A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding management of nutrition support in patients with obesity was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process, that includes consideration of the strength of the evidence together with the risks and benefits to the patient, was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to multiple levels of external and internal review and approval by the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors. Questions: (1) Do clinical outcomes vary across levels of obesity in critically ill or hospitalized non intensive care unit (ICU) patients? (2) How should energy requirements be determined in obese critically ill or hospitalized non-icu patients? (3) Are clinical outcomes improved with hypocaloric, high protein diets in hospitalized patients? (4) In obese patients who have had a malabsorptive or restrictive surgical procedure, what micronutrients should be evaluated? (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2013;37: ) Keywords adult; life cycle; calorimetry; nutrition; assessment; outcomes; research/quality; support practice; obesity Background As of June 2013, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease that requires medical treatment. 1,2 Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , the prevalence of obesity in the United States is 35.5% in adult men, 35.8% in adult women, including 4.4% and 8.2% respectively with body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m 2. 3 Thus, nutrition support clinicians are likely to care for obese patients, particularly during hospital admissions. While nutrition support clinicians care for patients across a broad range of clinical settings, the bulk of publications available for this clinical guideline have come from hospitalized patients. Furthermore, since the clinical acuity of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) is much higher than those who are not critically ill, for this guideline most recommendations have been made separately for these 2 groups of obese hospitalized patients when data were available. Bariatric surgery is a common treatment for patients who have severe obesity, with estimates of approximately 200,000 adults treated with bariatric surgery annually in the United States. 4 Since these procedures are designed to limit the patient s nutrient intake as a strategy to promote significant and durable weight loss, patients treated with these procedures may require nutrition care. Thus, the purpose of this clinical guideline is to guide clinicians on the nutrition support care of hospitalized adult patients who have obesity. From 1 Mt Carmel Hospital, Central Ohio Surgical Associates, Columbus, OH, USA; 2 University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; 3 Department of Pharmacy, Mt Carmel West Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; 4 Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA; and 5 University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA. The A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines Editorial Board guided the development of and review of these guidelines using the GRADE system. The A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors approved the guidelines on June 26, Financial disclosure: None declared. Speaker s Bureau: Nestlé (RND); Abbott (AM) Received for publication July 5, 2013; accepted for publication July 5, This article originally appeared online on August 23, Corresponding Author: Charlene Compher, PhD, RD, CNSD, LDN, FADA, FASPEN, Professor of Nutrition Science, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Claire M. Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA , USA. compherc@nursing.upenn.edu

2 Choban et al 715 Method The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) is an organization comprised of healthcare professionals representing the disciplines of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dietetics, and nutrition science. The mission of A.S.P.E.N. is to improve patient care by advancing the science and practice of clinical nutrition and metabolism. A.S.P.E.N. vigorously works to support quality patient care, education, and research in the fields of nutrition and metabolic support in all healthcare settings. These clinical guidelines were developed under the guidance of the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors. Promotion of safe and effective patient care by nutrition support practitioners is a critical role of the A.S.P.E.N. organization. A.S.P.E.N. has been publishing clinical guidelines since These A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines are based on general conclusions of health professionals who, in developing such guidelines, have balanced potential benefits to be derived from a particular mode of medical therapy against certain risks inherent with such therapy. However, the professional judgment of the attending health professional is the primary component of quality medical care. Because guidelines cannot account for every variation in circumstances, the practitioner must always exercise professional judgment in their application. These clinical guidelines are intended to supplement, but not replace, professional training and judgment. A.S.P.E.N. clinical guidelines has adopted concepts of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group A full description of the methodology has been published. 20 Briefly, specific clinical questions where nutrition support is a relevant mode of therapy are developed and key clinical outcomes are identified. A rigorous search of the published literature is conducted, each included study assessed for research quality, tables of findings developed, the body of evidence for the question evaluated and graded. Randomized controlled clinical trials are initially graded as strong evidence, but may be downgraded in quality based on study limitations. Controlled observational studies are initially graded as weak evidence, but may be graded down further based on study limitations or upgraded based on study design strengths. In a consensus process, the authors make recommendations for clinical practice that are based on the evidence review assessed against consideration of the risks and benefits to patients. Recommendations are graded as strong when the evidence is strong and/or the risk vs benefit analysis is strong. Weak recommendations may be based on weaker evidence and/or weaker trade-offs to the patient. When limited research is available to answer a question, the recommendation is for further research to be conducted. The guideline authors represent a range of academic and clinical expertise (medicine, dietetics, nursing, pharmacy). The external and internal expert reviewers, including the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors, have a similar breadth of professional expertise. This clinical guideline is planned for revision in The questions are summarized in Table 1. With the assistance of a reference librarian a search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL on August 1, 2012, and updated May 2, 2013, using inclusion criteria of adult subjects, English language, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and publications over the past 10 years. Search terms obesity, clinical outcomes, mortality, infection, parenteral nutrition, and enteral nutrition were applied in various combinations for questions 1-3. For question 1, 31 articles met the inclusion criteria. For question 2, 9 articles that described measures in hospitalized or clinical populations of obese patients and that reported data with accuracy and bias rates were included. For question 3, the time limitation was relaxed to obtain all published information on the topic, yielding 8 articles. For question 4, search terms of copper, zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin deficiency, nutrient deficiency, gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, vitamin D, and bariatric surgery were used in various combinations with a time limitation of the past 10 years, which yielded 22 articles. Results Question 1: Do Clinical Outcomes Vary Across Levels of Obesity in Critically Ill or Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients? (Tables 2-3) Recommendation 1a. Critically ill patients with obesity experience more complications than patients with optimal BMI levels. Nutrition assessment and development of a nutrition support plan is recommended within 48 hours of ICU admission (strong). Evidence Grade: Low. 1b. All hospitalized patients, regardless of BMI, should be screened for nutrition risk within 48 hours of admission, with nutrition assessment for patients who are considered at risk (strong). Evidence Grade: Low. Rationale. Clinical outcomes in patients with obesity may be impacted by numerous factors, including comorbid conditions, associated metabolic changes and any modifications in clinical care (including nutrition support) that are made on behalf of the obese patient. The available studies comparing outcomes of mortality, length of stay (LOS), and complications in obese ICU and non-icu patients are limited by their retrospective database evaluation, by a relatively small number of obese subjects, 24-28,36-41 or by overall small sample size. 22,24-28,31,34,39-43 In particular, mortality outcomes are varied, depending on these factors. To address concerns about limitations in statistical power for the outcome of mortality, we considered the evidence from 8 studies with more than 300 obese subjects. One found increased mortality in obese trauma patients, 21 5 reported reduced mortality in mixed ICU types, 23,35,42,44,45 and 3 reported no difference in mortality. 29,32,46 LOS in the ICU was not

3 716 Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 37(6) Table 1. Nutrition Support Clinical Guideline Recommendations in Adult Patients With Obesity. Question Recommendation Recommendation Grade and Evidence Quality 1. Do clinical outcomes vary across levels of obesity in critically ill or hospitalized non-icu patients? 2. How should energy requirements be determined in obese critically ill or hospitalized non-icu patients? 3. Are clinical outcomes improved with hypocaloric, high protein diets in hospitalized patients with obesity? 4. In obese patients who have had a malabsorptive or restrictive surgical procedure, what micronutrients should be evaluated? 1a. Critically ill patients with obesity experience more complications than patients with optimal BMI levels. Nutrition assessment and development of a nutrition support plan is recommended within 48 hours of ICU admission. 1b. All hospitalized patients, regardless of BMI, should be screened for nutrition risk within 48 hours of admission, with nutrition assessment for patients who are considered at risk. 2a. In the critically ill obese patient, if indirect calorimetry is unavailable, energy requirements should be based on the Penn State University 2010 predictive equation, or the modified Penn State equation if the patient is over the age of 60 years. 2b. In the hospitalized obese patient, if indirect calorimetry is unavailable and the Penn State University equations cannot be used, energy requirements may be based on the Mifflin St Jeor equation using actual body weight. 3a. Clinical outcomes are at least equivalent in patients supported with high protein, hypocaloric feeding to those supported with high protein, eucaloric feeding. A trial of hypocaloric, high protein feeding is suggested in patients who do not have severe renal or hepatic dysfunction. Hypocaloric feeding may be started with 50%-70% of estimated energy needs or < 14 kcal/kg actual weight. High protein feeding may be started with 1.2 g/kg actual weight or g/kg ideal body weight, with adjustment of goal protein intake by the results of nitrogen balance studies. 3b. Hypocaloric, low protein feedings are associated with unfavorable outcomes. Clinical vigilance for adequate protein provision is suggested in patients who do not have severe renal or hepatic dysfunction. 4. Patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or biliopancreatic diversion ± duodenal switch have increased risk of nutrient deficiency. In acutely ill hospitalized patients with history of these procedures, evaluation for evidence of depletion of iron, copper, zinc, selenium, thiamine, folate, and vitamins B 12 and D is suggested as well as repletion of deficiency states. Recommendation: Strong Evidence: Low Recommendation: Strong Evidence: Low Recommendation: Strong Evidence: High Recommendation: Weak Evidence: Moderate Recommendation: Weak Evidence: Low Recommendation: Weak Evidence: Low Recommendation: Weak Evidence: Low ICU, intensive care unit. significantly different in obese than nonobese subjects in the single large study reporting this outcome. 45 Studies with more than 300 obese patients reported more complications in obese than nonobese patients, 25,47 as did 3 smaller studies in trauma patients. 33,37,48 One large study in patients admitted to the medical ICU observed no difference in complications in obese than nonobese patients. 32 These complications may impact adjunctive nutrition care and thus support our consensus that an early nutrition assessment (as for all critically ill patients) and care plan is indicated. In the hospitalized, non critically ill obese patient, 2 studies had more than 300 obese patients. One of these in surgical patients reported lower mortality and hospital LOS, 30 while a study of patients with myocardial infarction reported higher mortality and no difference in complications. 49 Further research is very likely to change our assessment of the outcomes associated with obesity in non-icu patients. However, all patients should be screened for nutrition risk, and those who are at risk further assessed for nutrition status and potential development of a nutrition support care plan. 15 Clearly, more prospective, adequately powered outcomes research is needed to clarify the risks associated with varying levels of obesity in hospitalized ICU and non-icu patients. Studies that include measures of inflammation, body composition (with a focus on lean body mass), and micronutrient status

4 Table 2. Evidence Summary Question 1: Do Clinical Outcomes Vary Across Levels of Obesity in Critically Ill or Hospitalized Patients? ICU patients Nelson et al, Retrospective record review obese patients Abhyankar et al, Retrospective record review Large sample 5287 obese patients Single center trauma database of admissions 1996-present with Injury Severity Score 16 BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 30 BMI = , n = 603 BMI , n = 361 BMI 30, n = 90 Total N = 1084 Admissions to single hospital MICU, SICU, or CCU, BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 786 BMI = , n = 5463 BMI , n = 5276 BMI , n = 4168 BMI 40, n = 1119 Total N = 16,812 Compare resuscitation, treatment, and shortterm outcomes by BMI group Examine BMI vs 30-day and 1-year mortality Mortality: BMI 30 vs normal BMI, OR 2.52 (95% CI, ) Mortality on day 0: BMI 30 vs normal BMI, 8.9% vs 2.8%, P =.023 Uncontrolled hemorrhage most common cause 30-day Mortality: BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, OR 1.41 (95% CI, ) BMI = , reference group BMI , OR 0.81 (95% CI, ) BMI 30, OR 0.74 (95% CI, ) 1-year Mortality: BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, OR 1.51 (95% CI, ) BMI = , reference group BMI , OR 0.68 (95% CI, ) BMI 30, OR 0.57 (95% CI, ) BMI 40 kg/m2, OR 0.70 (95% CI, ) Lower mortality in obese than normal weight patients Hoffmann et al, Retrospective record review obese subjects Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, new injury severity score, head injury, Glasgow Coma Scale, base excess, coagulation, severe bleeding, cardiac arrest Westerly et al, Retrospective record review Diagnostic similarity 545 obese patients No adjustment for comorbidities or acuity Hutagalung et Retrospective record review al, HR adjusted for acuity measures 2245 obese patients Loss of 24% due to no height/ weight Trauma patients with Injury Severity Score > 16, years in German Society for Trauma Registry BMI 20 kg/m 2, n = 269 BMI = , n = 2617 BMI , n = 2120 BMI 30, n = 760 Total N = 5766 Admissions to single hospital Quartiles of BMI 40: BMI kg/m2, n = 127 BMI , n = 151 BMI , n = 147 BMI > 65, n = 120 Total N = 545 German surgical ICU patients, BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 186 BMI , n = 2633 BMI , n = 4093 BMI , n = 2066 BMI 40, n = 179 Total N = 9935 Determine whether low or high BMI is linked with worse outcomes Evaluate outcomes of hospitalized morbidly obese patients Assess impact of obesity on 60-day hospital mortality Hospital Mortality: BMI vs normal BMI, OR = 0.99, (95%, CI = ) BMI 30 vs normal BMI, OR 1.6 (95% CI, , P =.009) Time to Death: BMI vs normal BMI, 16.6 vs 10.1 days, P <.001 BMI 30 vs normal BMI, 16.6 vs 10.1 days, P <.001 Across quartiles of BMI > 40, mortality was not different. Hospital LOS increased, P <.001 Tracheostomy increased, P = day Mortality: BMI vs normal BMI, HR (lower HR in study indicates lower risk) 0.86 (95% CI, , P =.047) BMI = vs normal BMI, HR 0.83 (95% CI, , P =.047) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, HR 1.14 (95% CI, ) Mortality increased, and time to death longer BMI with lower mortality than normal BMI 717

5 Table 2. Evans et al, Retrospective record review obese patients, no power calculation Limited statistical analysis US Level I Trauma Center registry, patients over age 45 years BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 22 BMI , n = 145 BMI , n = 140 BMI 30, n = 154 Total N = 461 Assess impact of BMI on trauma outcomes, complications, injury distribution, n = day Mortality: No statistically significant differences across BMI groups in complications, ICU or hospital LOS, mortality or discharge to home Martino et al, Multicenter international prospective observation study Large sample Data analysis adjusted for age, gender, APACHE II score, diagnosis category, geographic region, hospital type, ICU type, product of age and APACHE II score Serrano et al, Retrospective record review obese patients OR adjusted for potential confounders Adults in 1 of 355 ICUs for more than 72 hours in BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 423 BMI , n = 3490 BMI , n = 2604 BMI , n = 1772 BMI , n = 348 BMI , n = 118 BMI 60, n = 58 Total N = 8813 Admissions to level I trauma center 2008 BMI , n = 382 BMI , n = 328 BMI , n = 250 BMI 40, n = 64 Total N = 1024 Evaluate outcomes of severe obesity (BMI 40 kg/m 2 ) Evaluate the importance of obesity as an independent risk factor for nosocomial infection in trauma patients 60-day Mortality: BMI vs normal BMI, OR 0.81 (95% CI, ), P <.001 BMI vs normal BMI, OR 0.74 (95% CI, , P <.001) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 0.87 (95% CI, ) Ventilator Days: BMI vs normal BMI, HR (low hazard ratio in this study indicates higher risk) 0.97 (95% CI, ) BMI vs normal BMI, HR 0.85 (95% CI, , P <.001) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, HR 0.86 (95% CI, , P <.05) ICU LOS: BMI vs normal BMI, HR 0.95 (95% CI, ) BMI vs normal BMI, HR 0.86 (95% CI, , P <.001) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, HR 0.82 (95% CI, , P <.05) Hospital LOS: BMI vs normal BMI, HR 0.98 (95% CI, ) BMI vs normal BMI, HR 0.96 (95% CI, ) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, HR 0.91 (95% CI, ) Infection: BMI vs normal BMI, OR 4.69 (95% CI, ) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 5.91 (95% CI, ) Most common types were pulmonary and wound infections Obese patients (BMI ) with lower mortality; all obese patients with longer ventilator intubation and ICU LOS Obesity is independent risk factor for infection after trauma 718

6 Table 2. Wurzinger et al, Retrospective record review obese patients, no power calculation BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 15 BMI , n = 125 BMI , n = 95 BMI , n = 66 Total N = 301 Evaluate impact of BMI on mortality in patients with septic shock In adjusted model, no difference in mortality by obesity SAPS II predicts mortality Duchesne et al, Retrospective record review Very small sample 52 obese patients All patients in Level I trauma center , total sample 12,759 patients Those with damage control laparotomy: BMI kg/m 2, n = 52 BMI , n = 38 BMI 40, n = 15 Total N = 105 Examine prevalence of surgical site infections in obese vs nonobese patients Surgical Site Infections: Prevalence ratio in BMI 40 vs nonobese 4.42 (95% CI, ) Intraabdominal Abscess: Prevalence ratio in BMI 40 vs nonobese 1.76 (95% CI, ) Acute Renal Injury: Prevalence ratio in BMI vs nonobese 2.07(95% CI, ) Prevalence ratio in BMI 40 vs nonobese 3.07 (95% CI, ) Multisystem Organ Failure: Prevalence ratio in BMI vs nonobese 1.74 (95% CI, ) Prevalence ratio in BMI 40 vs nonobese 1.82 (95% CI, ) Prevalence ratios adjusted for age, gender, type of injury, blood pressure and base deficit Days on Ventilator: Nonobese vs obese vs severely obese, 9.8 ± 7 vs 14 ± 7 vs 24 ± 8, P =.0001 Hospital LOS: Nonobese vs obese vs severely obese, 14 ± 8 vs 14 ± 11 vs 27 ± 9, P =.0001 Dossett et al, Prospective cohort observation OR adjusted for age, sex, APACHE II score 686 obese patients Patients in ICU > 48 hr BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 640 BMI , n = 672 BMI , n = 615 BMI , n = 494 BMI 40, n = 192 Total N = 2037 Describe relationship between BMI and sitespecific ICU-acquired infection risk Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection Risk: BMI vs normal BMI, OR 1.9 (95% CI, ) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 3.2 (95% CI, ) May be due to provider reluctance to pull established lines in patients with difficult venous access Pieracci et al, Retrospective record review BMI distribution of patients in ICU > 4 days not clear 232 obese patients Patients admitted to ICU > 4 days BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 53 BMI , n = 376 BMI , n = 285 BMI , n = 188 BMI 40, n = 44 Total N = 946 Test hypothesis that BMI is associated with mortality from surgical critical illness ROC analysis suggests BMI predicts mortality at level of chance alone Age and APACHE III were strongest predictors in all models, BMI was not significant 719

7 Table 2. Sakr et al, Prospective observational cohort obese patients Adjusted model Frat et al, Prospective case-control observation 82 obese patients Prognostic similarity Multicenter study of epidemiology of sepsis in European countries, n = 198 ICUs BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 120 BMI , n = 1206 BMI , n = 1047 BMI , n = 424 BMI 40, n = 81 Total N = 2878 Patients matched for age, gender, center and SAPS II score BMI < 30, n = 124 BMI 35, n = 82 Total N = 206 Investigate impact of obesity on morbidity and mortality in European sepsis in acutely ill patients study Evaluate influence of severe obesity on morbidity and mortality in mechanically ventilated patients BMI does not impact mortality or LOS ICU-acquired Infection: Obese vs optimal weight, 10.1% vs 9%, P <.05 Severely obese vs optimal weight, 12.3% vs 9.0%, P <.01 Only difference in morbidity was more frequent difficulty with tracheal intubation and postextubation stridor in obese No difference in mortality Morris et al, Retrospective record review obese patients OR adjusted for age, APACHE score, admission source, chronic health points, etiology of ALI Newell et al, Retrospective record review obese patients, no power statement No adjustment of OR All ICU patients with ALI and BMI in BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 28 BMI , n = 179 BMI , n = 150 BMI 30-39, n = 125 BMI 40, n = 40 Total N = 825 Consecutive admissions to trauma center with Injury Severity Score 16 and blunt trauma in BMI missing n = 357 BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 61 BMI , n = 554 BMI , n = 529 BMI 30-39, n = 271 BMI 40, n = 93 Total N = 2108 Evaluate the association between BMI and outcomes in patients with ALI Evaluate clinical outcomes in blunt trauma patients stratified by BMI Mortality: Not different by BMI group Discharge Disposition: To rehabilitation center BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 6.0 (95% CI, ) To skilled nursing facility BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 4.3 (95% CI, ) Mortality: BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 0.81 (95% CI, ) Complications in BMI vs normal BMI: Acute respiratory failure, OR 1.8 (95% CI, ) Pneumonia, OR 1.7 (95% CI, ) UTI, OR 1.8 (95% CI, ) Complications in BMI 40 vs normal BMI: ARDS, OR 3.68 (95% CI, ) Acute respiratory failure, OR 2.79 (95% CI, ) Acute renal failure, OR 13.5 (95% CI, ) MSOF, OR 2.6 (95% CI, ) Pneumonia, OR 2.5 (95% CI, ) UTI, OR 2.3 (95% CI, ) DVT, OR 4.1 (95% CI, ) Decubitus ulcer, OR 2.8 (95% CI, ) Complications higher in severely obese than obese than normal BMI patients 720

8 Table 2. Nasraway et al, Retrospective record review obese patients model adjusted for age, gender, acuity, renal failure, diabetes, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation Consecutive admissions to surgical ICU BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 70 BMI , n = 529 BMI , n = 408 BMI , n = 272 BMI 40, n = 94 Total N = 1373 Patients who stayed in ICU 4 d BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 26 BMI , n = 164 BMI , n = 119 BMI , n = 74 BMI 40, n = 24 Total N = 406 Determine whether BMI 40 is independent risk factor for death in ICU patients Mortality, ICU LOS and hospital LOS not different in entire group of admissions Peake et al, Prospective cohort observation obese patients Model included age, APACHE II score, albumin Charlson comorbidity index Patients admitted to medicalsurgical ICU in 2001 BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 24 BMI , n = 129 BMI , n = 151 BMI , n = 75 BMI 35, n = 54 Total N = 433 Evaluate effect of BMI on 30-day and 12-month survival Increasing BMI associated with decreasing mortality TR > 1 is increased survival time: 30-day TR for BMI = 1.85 (95% CI, 1.05, 3.26) 12-month TR for BMI = 1.03 (95% CI, 1.005, 1.063) Duane et al, Retrospective record review obese patients, no power statement Blunt trauma patients admitted BMI < 30, n = 338 BMI 30, n = 115 Total N = 453 Determine effect of obesity on morbidity and mortality in ICU and non-icu population of blunt trauma patients No difference in mortality or morbidity measures Alban et al, Retrospective record review obese patients, no power statement Patients admitted to trauma ICU, Nonobese, n = 783 Obese, n = 135 Total, n = 928 Compare outcomes of obese vs nonobese patients after trauma Mortality: Obese vs nonobese, OR 0.8 (95% CI, ) Age > 55 y, OR 3.5 (95% CI, ) ISS > 20, OR 8.9 (95% CI, ) APACHE II > 20, OR 12.0 (95% CI, ) Blunt vs penetrating injury, OR 2.0 (95% CI, ) Severity of illness more predictive than obesity O Brien et al, Retrospective record review obese patients Mortality adjusted for age, gender, race, SAPS II, team model, condition on admission, patient origin, diagnosis of skin or subcutaneous tissue disease, preexisting illness, use of pressors, ICU complications, number of preexisting diseases Critically ill adults from 106 ICUs in 84 hospitals in acute lung injury IMPACT study BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n = 88 BMI , n = 544 BMI , n = 399 BMI , n = 326 BMI 40, n = 131 Total N = 1488 Determine association between BMI and hospital mortality Hospital Mortality: BMI vs normal BMI, OR 0.67 (95% CI, ) BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 0.78 (95% CI, ) Unadjusted Differences in Care: BMI 40 vs normal BMI Heparin prophylaxis in 57% vs 44% Tracheostomy, 26% vs 17% Specialty bed, 29% vs 15% 721

9 Table 2. Aldawood et al, Retrospective record review obese patients Unadjusted OR Critically ill adults from single ICU in Saudi Arabia, BMI < 18.5kg/m 2, n = 140 BMI , n = 631 BMI , n = 524 BMI , n = 312 BMI , n = 135 BMI 40, n = 93 Total N = 1835 Examine impact of obesity on hospital and ICU mortality, LOS, duration of mechanical ventilation Hospital Mortality: BMI 40 vs normal BMI, OR 0.51 (95% CI, , P =.025) Also predicted by chronic respiratory illness, age, medical vs surgical admission Lowest mortality for BMI 40 Ray et al, Retrospective record review obese patients No adjustment for acuity Medical ICU admissions BMI < 20 kg/m2, n = 350 BMI , n = 663 BMI , n = 585 BMI , n = 396 BMI 40, n = 154 Total N = 2148 Examine the effect of BMI on ICU outcome ICU Mortality: APACHE II score predicts (P <.001) but BMI does not (P =.588) Hospital Mortality: APACHE II score predicts (P <.001) but BMI does not (P =.469) Complications: No difference by BMI group Acuity score predicts mortality better than BMI Winkelman et Prospective cohort observation al, Critically ill patients with severe obesity BMI 40, n = 43 Describe resources used by nurses to care of patients with severe obesity Most common equipment: Specialty bed or mattress Large BP cuff Large commodes Large wheelchairs Assist of 2 to reposition patient Special skin care treatment Nurses should anticipate these needs to avoid poor outcomes Brown et al, Retrospective record review obese patients OR adjusted but factors used not reported Trauma and ICU database BMI < 30, n = 870 BMI 30, n = 283 Total N = 1153 Evaluate influence of obesity on outcomes after severe blunt trauma Obesity independent risk factor for mortality: Adj OR 1.6 (95% CI, , P =.03) ISS, GCS, hypotension on admission and age are stronger predictors Obese patients with more total complications, MSOF, ARDS, dialysis, MI O Brien, Retrospective record review 219 obese patients, no power statement 15% excluded due to missing variables Model not adjusted Mechanically ventilated patients with ALI enrolled in RCT testing weaning protocols BMI , n = 334 BMI , n = 254 BMI 30, n = 219 Total N = 807 Examine association of obesity and outcome 28-day Mortality: Overweight vs normal BMI, OR 1.09 (95% CI, ) Obese vs normal BMI, OR 1.1 (95% CI, ) Age, OR 1.04 (95% CI, ) APACHE III score, OR 1.02 (95% CI, ) Pao2:Fiox ratio, OR 0.99 (95% CI, ) Assigned higher tidal volume, OR 1.7 (95% CI, ) Peak airway pressure, OR 1.03 (95% CI, ) Trauma diagnosis, OR 0.32 (95% CI, ) Acuity factors more important than BMI as predictors of outcome 722

10 Table 2. Garrouste- Orgeas et al, Prospective cohort observation 227 obese patients Tremblay et al, Retrospective record review ,221 obese patients Limited information on comorbid conditions Hospitalized non-icu patients In 6 medical-surgical ICUs in France over 2 years BMI < 18.5, n = 189 BMI , n = 806 BMI , n = 476 BMI 30, n = 227 Total N = 1698 Project Impact Critical Care Data System, all patients with BMI and at least 1 severity score BMI < 18.5, n = 11,479 BMI , n = 24,332 BMI , n = 21,867 BMI , n = 13,952 BMI 40, n = 4269 Total N = 75,889 Examine association between BMI and mortality in adult ICU patients Mortality: Obese vs normal BMI, OR 0.6 (95% CI, ) Mortality: Not significantly different in obese or severely obese from nonobese LOS: Not significantly different in obese or severely obese from nonobese Nafiu et al, Retrospective record review ,761 obese patients Model adjusted for age, anesthesia status, racial group, elective vs emergent surgery Das et al, Retrospective record review OR adjusted for age, prior PAD, BP, HR, shock, ECG findings, troponin ratio, creatinine 2558 patients with severe obesity Park et al, Retrospective record review No acuity scores No adjustment for confounders 147 obese patients Racial/ethnic minority surgical patients from 186 centers in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Overall BMI = 30.3 ± 8.9 kg/ m 2 BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 3230 BMI = , n = 31,699 BMI , n = 34,929 BMI = , n = 34,450 BMI 40, n = 15,311 Total N = 119,619 Patients in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry with diagnosis of MI BMI missing in 1831 (3.5%) BMI 18.5 kg/m 2, n = 344 BMI , n = 11,785 BMI , n = 19,408 BMI , n = 15,596 BMI 40, n = 2558 Total N = 50,149 Surgical patients from single hospital BMI , n = 469 BMI , n = 108 BMI 40, n = 39 Total N = 626 Evaluate contribution of BMI to 30-day postsurgical outcome Evaluate impact of severe obesity on outcomes in patients with STsegment MI Determine impact of obesity on perioperative and longterm clinical outcomes after open AAA repair or endovascular aneurysm repair 30-day Mortality: BMI vs BMI 40, OR 1.52 (95% CI, , P <.001) BMI vs BMI 40, OR 1.33 (95% CI, , P =.009) BMI = vs BMI 40, OR 1.2 (95% CI, ) Hospital LOS: BMI , 8.9 ± 14.2 d BMI , 7.3 ± 12.2, P <.001 vs normal BMI BMI = , 6.7 ± 11.6, P <.001 vs normal BMI BMI 40, 5.3 ± 10.5, P <.001 vs normal BMI Most perioperative outcomes in obese subjects not different than normal weight Mortality: BMI 40 vs BMI 30-35, Adjusted OR 1.64 (95% CI, ) Major Bleeding: BMI 40 vs BMI 30-35, Adjusted OR 1.09 (95% CI, ) No difference in LOS, MI, ARF, wound infection, mortality ICU LOS: Obese vs normal BMI, P =.03 BMI 40 with lowest mortality & hospital LOS. Authors suggest that obese patients may have less severe disease or that they are monitored vigilantly and treated conservatively Mortality increased Low HR indicates increased risk; low OR indicates reduced risk. AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm; ALI, acute lung injury; APACHE, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; ARF, acute renal failure; BMI, body mass index; BP, blood pressure; CCU, cardiac care unit; CI, confidence interval; DVT, deep vein thrombosis; GCS, Glasgow coma scale; HR, hazard ratio; ICU, intensive care unit; ISS, injury severity score; LOS, length of stay; MI, myocardial infarction; MICU, medical ICU; MSOF, multi-system organ failure; OR, odds ratio; PAD, peripheral artery disease; RCT, randomized controlled trial; ROC, receiver operator curve; SAPS, simplified acute physiology score; SICU, surgical ICU; TR, time ratio; UTI, urinary tract infection. 723

11 724 Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 37(6) Table 3. GRADE Table Question 1: Do Clinical Outcomes Vary Across Levels of Obesity in Critically Ill or Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients? Comparison Outcome Quantity, Type of Evidence Findings Grade for Outcome ICU patients Obese vs optimal BMI Mortality (large studies) 8 OBS 1 increased 21 5 decreased 23,35,42,44,45 2 no difference 32,46 Low Hospital LOS (large studies) 4 OBS 3 increased 22,29,45 Low 1 no difference 46 Complications 6 OBS 5 increased 25,37,46-48 Low 1 no difference 32 BMI 40 kg/m 2 vs optimal BMI Mortality (large studies) 4 OBS 1 decreased 44 Low 3 no difference 22,23,45 Hospital LOS (large studies) 4 OBS 2 increased 22,29 Low 2 no difference 45,46 Non-ICU patients Obese vs optimal BMI Mortality 2 OBS 1 increased 49 Low 1 no difference 91 Overall Evidence GRADE Low ICU, intensive care unit; LOS, length of stay; OBS, observational study. would be especially helpful. Finally, nutrition support interventions that aim to improve clinical outcomes are needed in this population. Question 2: How Should Energy Requirements Be Determined in Obese Critically Ill or Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients? (Table 4) Recommendation 2a. In the critically ill obese patient, if indirect calorimetry is unavailable, energy requirements should be based on the Penn State University 2010 predictive equation or the modified Penn State University equation if the patient is over the age of 60 years (strong). Evidence Grade: High. 2b. In the hospitalized obese patient, if indirect calorimetry is unavailable and the Penn State University equations cannot be used, energy requirements may be based on the Mifflin St Jeor equation using actual body weight (weak). Evidence Grade: Moderate. Rationale. Most studies recommend the use of indirect calorimetry to measure resting energy expenditure (REE); however, some patients do not meet valid testing criteria, and most facilities do not have indirect calorimeters. Avoiding energy overfeeding is an important goal; therefore either REE or use of a predictive equation to approximate REE is an essential part of nutrition assessment. In the critically ill, ventilator-dependent obese patient, the Penn State University (PSU) predictive equation most accurately predicts REE compared with others (including Harris Benedict, Mifflin St Jeor, Swinamer, and Ireton-Jones). Frankenfield and colleagues compared multiple predictive equations with REE in patients with BMI 30 kg/m 2 and found the PSU equation to have the highest prediction accuracy of 70% ( ± 10% of REE) with the least bias or the lowest likelihood of over or underestimation. 50 In another comparison study in critically ill patients with BMI 45 kg/m 2, accuracy of the PSU equation was highest at 76% ( ± 10% of REE) compared with other equations studied. 51 In the older critically ill obese patient ( 60 years) with BMI 30, a modified PSU appears to be more accurate than the original PSU. 50 When compared with the unmodified version, the modified PSU was found to have an accuracy rate of 70% ( ± 10% of REE) vs 58% (P =.04). 50 Further, in a case series of 7 patients (including 2 obese patients) with REE measured continuously for 7 days, the prediction error using the PSU equation was only a total of 468 ± 642 kcal ( 3.7 ± 5.1%) over 1 week. 52 The PSU equations 53 are as follows: Younger obese patients: RMR (kcal/d) = MSJ(0.96) + Tmax(167) + VE(31) 6212 Older obese patients: RMR (kcal/d) = MSJ(0.71) + Tmax(85) + VE(64) 3085 Where MSJ = Mifflin St Jeor equation (below); V E = minute ventilation (L/minute); T max = maximum temperature in prior 24 hours in degrees C In the mixed ICU and non-icu patients, the evidence is more difficult to assess due to several important variables. The

12 Table 4. Evidence Summary Question 2: How Should Energy Requirements Be Determined in Obese Critically Ill or Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients? Frankenfield et al, Validation study Similar prognosis in obese group 55 obese patients Kross et al, Retrospective validation study 401 obese patients Critically ill patients at extremes of BMI BMI 21 kg/m 2, n = 56 BMI 45 kg/m 2, n = 55 All mechanically ventilated patients with REE between BMI , n = 254 BMI , n = 272 BMI , n = 176 BMI , n = 84 BMI 40, n = 141 Total N = 925 ICU patients Validate the PSU prediction equation and test validity of IJ, ACCP, MSJ, HB Compare REE with HB, Owen, MSJ, IJ, ACCP Accuracy within 10% REE (%): PSU (76%) MSJ (55%) HB (60%) IJ (29%) ACCP (27%) Bias in kcal/d (95% CI): PSU ( 33, +97) MSJ ( 299, 82) HB ( 105, +149) IJ (+283, +509) ACCP ( 616, 403) BMI : Accuracy (%): MSJ (18.8%) HB (34.1%) IJ (20.5%) ACCP (9.7%) Owen (9.7%) Bias mean (95% CI): MSJ, ( 203.9, 151.6) HB, 53.4 ( 78.6, +10.1) IJ, 86.4 ( 117.6, 55.2) ACCP, ( 245.3, 192.2) Owen, ( 233.1, ) BMI : Accuracy (%): MSJ (18.8%) HB (27.4%) IJ (20.5%) ACCP (7.1%) Owen (14.3%) Bias mean (95% CI) MSJ, ( 209.4, 123.8) HB, 66.0 ( 105.1, +27.3) IJ, ( 76.7, +23.8) ACCP, ( 285.5, 202.1) Owen, ( 240.2, 157) BMI 40: Accuracy (%): MSJ (33.3%) HB (28.4%) IJ (14.2%) ACCP (1.4%) Owen (20.6%) Bias mean (95% CI): MSJ, 91.8 ( 119.5, 64.0) HB, 61.1 ( 55.8, +19.5) IJ, 91.3 ( 133.9, 48.7) ACCP, ( 319.1, 261.4) Owen, ( 174.1, 116.3) PSU valid in severely obese, critically ill patients Unable to evaluate PSU or Swinamer due to missing minute ventilation or tidal volume Equations are not adequate 725

13 Table 4. Frankenfield, Validation study Included archived data in analysis, unclear prognostic similarity Precise measurement protocol Obese, older ICU patients, n = 50 Age 70 ± 7 y BMI 38.4 ± 7.2 kg/m 2 Data from previous studies: n = 79 Test the validity of a modified PSU equation against Deltatrac REE measures Accuracy: Modified PSU = 70% Original PSU = 66% Bias (95% CI): Modified PSU ( 120, 12) kcal/d Original PSU ( 90, + 25) kcal/d Both PSU equations include both body size and metabolic factors (temperature, minute ventilation) Frankenfield et al, Validation study Similar prognosis REE measures in 202 critically ill patients in : Obese young: n = 47 Obese elderly: n = 51 Compare REE measured by Deltatrac calorimeter with estimates by HB, MSJ, ACCP, Swinamer, IJ, PSU, Brandi, and Faisy equations Accuracy: Young Obese: PSU (66%) MSJ (21%) HB (45%) IJ (49%) ACCP (53%) Elderly Obese: PSU (46%) MSJ (35%) HB (35%) IJ (51%) ACCP (12%) Bias (95% CI): Young Obese: PSU ( 249, 31) MSJ ( 544, 316) HB ( 368, +89) IJ ( 249, 31) ACCP (358, 874) Elderly Obese: PSU ( 51, +133) MSJ ( 440, 215) HB ( 357, 126) IJ ( 174, +31) ACCP (457, 749) PSU equation unbiased and precise across all age and weight groups 726

14 Table 4. Alves et al, Validation study Dissimilar prognosis Anderegg et al, Validation study Dissimilar prognosis Different measuring devices Overweight or obese ICU patients Mean BMI ± 9.03 kg/m 2 Fasting, n = 42 Stable feeding, n = 29 Hospitalized adult patients with BMI 38.2 ± 8 kg/m 2 Ventilated, n = 27 Spontaneously breathing, n = 9 Total N = 36 Compare REE measured by Deltatrac calorimeter with estimates by HB, IJ equations, and 21 kcal/kg of actual, average, and adjusted body weight Identify which of 4 predictive equations gave estimates within 10% of measured energy expenditure by Deltatrac (ventilated) or Medgem (spontaneously breathing). Accuracy (Concordance Correlation Coefficient): Fasted measures: HB actual weight (0.767) IJ actual weight (0.452) 21 kcal/kg actual weight (0.446) Fed measures: HB actual weight (0.829) IJ actual weight (0.641) 21 kcal/kg actual weight (0.490) Bias: Fasted measures: HB actual weight 81.3 ( 726.1, ) IJ actual weight ( , +81.4) 21 kcal/kg actual weight ( , +701) Fed measures: HB actual weight 63.7 ( 658.3, ) IJ actual weight ( 172.7, ) 21 kcal/kg actual weight ( 924.5, ) Use of adjusted body weight produced less accurate estimates Accuracy: HB actual weight (38.9%) MSJ (19.4%) IJ ventilator (38.9%) 21 kcal/kg actual weight (41.5%) Bias (mean ± SD): HB ± MSJ ± IJ ± kcal/kg actual weight 271 ± Mean REE: Ventilated 20.4 ± 5.1 kcal/kg/d Spontaneously breathing, 15.5 ±.9 kcal/kg/d REE should be measured Bias with best equation could result in change in body weight if applied to energy delivery Indirect calorimetry should be employed to measure energy expenditure in obese hospitalized patients Boullata et al, Retrospective record validation study Dissimilar prognosis Unclear how many obese patients are ventilator vs canopy measures All patients with an REE in 1991, n = 395 Ventilator measures, n = 141 Canopy measures, n = 254 Obese, n = 51 Evaluate the accuracy of 7 predictive equations against measured REE in hospitalized patients, including the critically ill and obese Accuracy: HB actual weight (62%) IJ (32%) Bias: HB +47 ( 440, +534) Data collection predates current level of obesity 727

15 Table 4. Dobratz et al, Validation study Similar prognosis Female pre bariatric surgery patients, n = 14 BMI 49.8 ± 6.2, (range ) kg/m 2 Identify which of 12 prediction equations is most accurate relative to measured REE using Deltatrac calorimeter Accuracy: MSJ (86%) HB actual weight (69%) Bias (mean difference): MSJ 48 ± 191 kcal HB actual weight 89 ± 187 kcal/day Use of adjusted body weight with HB equation made the underestimate worse Error for all predictive equations (including MSJ) 250 kcal Clinically stable prior to bariatric surgery Prediction error might result in change in body weight if applied to energy delivery Frankenfield et al, Validation study Healthy volunteers and bariatric surgery patients in a hospital setting All canopy measures, BMI range up to 96.8 kg/m 2 Nonobese, n = 83 BMI , n = 20 BMI 40, n = 27 Evaluate equations for predicting resting metabolic rate against measured values in obese and nonobese people Accuracy of MSJ: BMI (70%), 10% underestimates, 20% overestimates BMI 40 (70%), 7% underestimates, 23% overestimates Accuracy of HB: BMI (50%), 40% underestimates, 10% overestimates BMI 40 (74%), 22% underestimates, 4% overestimates Bias is the 95% CI of difference between estimated and measured REE; precision is the percentage of measures ± 10% REE. ACCP, American College of Chest Physicians; CI, confidence interval; HB, Harris Benedict; ICU, intensive care unit; IJ, Ireton-Jones; MSJ, Mifflin St Jeor; PSU, Penn State University; REE, resting energy expenditure. 728

16 Choban et al studies reviewed compared multiple predictive equations (Harris Benedict, Schofield, Mifflin St Jeor, and others) with REE but did not include all the same predictive equations in each. All included very small samples of obese patients, 1 reported on data collected in 1991, 54 and 1 used measures from 2 different calorimeter devices. 55 Accuracy ( ± 10% of REE) varied among the equations studied with Mifflin St Jeor (MSJ) demonstrating the highest accuracy at 70% 56-86% 57 compared with 50% for Harris Benedict with adjusted weight 55 and 50%, 56 62% 54-69% 57 for Harris Benedict using actual weight. In addition, significant bias 55 and prediction errors 54,57 were measured that could result in undesired weight changes when applied to specific patients. The error for MSJ, however, was lower than that demonstrated with Harris Benedict using actual weight. 56,57 The MSJ 58 equations are as follows: Men (kcal/day) = Weight (kg) Ht(cm) 5 Age(y) Women (kcal/day) = Weight (kg) Ht(cm) 5 Age(y) Whether provision of energy requirements based on REE provides superior clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients to those with energy needs estimated by a predictive equation has not yet been evaluated in patients with obese or optimal BMI. Question 3: Are Clinical Outcomes Improved With Hypocaloric, High Protein Diets in Hospitalized Patients With Obesity? (Tables 5-6) Recommendation 3a. Clinical outcomes are at least equivalent in patients supported with high protein hypocaloric feeding to those supported with high protein eucaloric feeding. A trial of hypocaloric high protein feeding is suggested in patients who do not have severe renal or hepatic dysfunction (weak). Hypocaloric feeding may be started with 50%-70% of estimated energy requirements or < 14 kcal/kg actual weight. High protein feeding may be started with 1.2 g/kg actual weight or g/kg ideal body weight, with adjustment of goal protein intake by the results of nitrogen balance studies. Evidence Grade: Low. 3b. Hypocaloric low protein feedings are associated with unfavorable outcomes. Clinical vigilance for adequate protein provision is suggested in patients who do not have severe renal or hepatic dysfunction (weak). Evidence Grade: Low. Rationale. Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and hypoventilation syndrome are more prevalent in patients with obesity than nonobese patients. 59 As a result, the hospitalized patient with obesity is susceptible to experiencing complications associated with overfeeding. Because of these concerns, hypocaloric, high protein regimens have been designed by clinicians in an effort to minimize potential overfeeding complications while simultaneously achieving net protein anabolism. Hypocaloric feeding is defined as providing a caloric intake less than measuredor estimated energy expenditure whereas eucaloric feeding is intended to provide a caloric intake sufficient to meet caloric needs as assessed by measured energy expenditure. Hypercaloric feeding is the provision of a caloric intake greater than caloric requirements. Hypocaloric, high protein feeding is often mistaken for permissive underfeeding. Permissive underfeeding allows for both protein and caloric deficits whereas the intent of hypocaloric, high protein diets is to provide only a calorie deficit while ensuring adequate protein intake. Four comparative studies and 2 case series 63,64 examined the use of hypocaloric, high protein nutrition therapy for hospitalized patients with obesity. The hypocaloric, high protein diets contained average intakes ranging from 90 g to 140 g of protein and 900 kcals to 1300 kcals daily (Table 4). Significantly improved clinical outcomes, as evidenced by decreased LOS in the ICU, decreased duration of antibiotic therapy, and a trend toward decreased days of mechanical ventilation, were suggested in a single small observational study examining hypocaloric, high protein diets vs eucaloric, high protein diets for critically ill trauma patients with obesity. 61 Positive clinical outcomes were also noted for use of hypocaloric, high protein feeding in 2 observational case series of surgical patients with obesity. 63,64 In the only randomized controlled trial that examined clinical outcomes, 59 no difference in mortality or length of hospital stay was found for hospitalized patients with obesity who received hypocaloric high protein feeding when compared with eucaloric high protein diets. All 3 comparative studies indicated that nutrition outcomes, such as nitrogen balance and serum protein response, were similar between eucaloric and hypocaloric feeding in the presence of adequate protein intake. However, 1 large observational study indicated a worsened 60-day mortality rate when a hypocaloric diet was combined with a low protein intake (average daily caloric and protein intakes of 1000 kcals and 46 g, respectively) and given to hospitalized patients with Class II (BMI kg/m 2 ) obesity. 65 The current literature, which includes a total of 163 patients supported with hypocaloric, high protein regimens, indicates that clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients with obesity are at least equivalent, if not improved, by the provision of hypocaloric feeding when adequate protein intake is given to achieve net protein anabolism. A large randomized controlled trial is warranted to ascertain whether hypocaloric, high protein nutrition therapy offers a significant therapeutic advantage over eucaloric or hypercaloric feeding with respect to clinical outcomes and avoidance of complications from overfeeding for hospitalized patients with obesity.