RESUMEN
The effects of gastric bypass (GBP) on resting energy expenditure (REE) are not well known. Aim: To evaluate the changes in REE and its relationship with body composition in severe and morbid obese women before and six and twelve months after GBP. Patients and methods: Twenty three women aged 37±10 years, with a body mass index of 44±4 kg/m², were evaluated before, six and twelve months after GBP. REE was measured in a Deltatrac indirect calorimeter and expressed as kcal/day Fat mass (EM), and fat free mass (EEM) were determined by double beam Xray densitometry (DEXA). Results: Body weight reduction six and twelve months after GBP was 29.0±4.3 and 35.8±6.9 percent, respectively. The best predictor of weight reduction was initial weight (p <0.01). At six and twelve months, REE decreased by 291.7±260.0 and 353.8±378.4 kcal/day, respectively. In the same periods REE/kg body weight increased by 3.3 and 4.8 kcal/kg respectively, compared to baseline. REE/kg EEM was unchanged. Conclusions: GBP was associated with significant changes in body composition after six and twelve months. However, despite weight reduction, resting energy expenditure per fat free mass unit did not change significantly.