When calculating energy needs for obese patients in parenteral nutrition, what weight should be used?

In the context of calculating energy needs for obese patients requiring parenteral nutrition, adjusted body weight is the most appropriate measure to use. This approach accounts for both the excess fat mass typical in obese patients and their lean body mass, which is crucial for determining accurate energy requirements.

Using adjusted body weight helps to avoid overestimating energy needs that could occur if actual body weight were used, as this could lead to excessive caloric intake and issues such as hyperglycemia or other metabolic complications. Adjusted body weight offers a compromise, allowing for a more accurate reflection of calorie needs without disproportionately factoring in excess adipose tissue.

Furthermore, this method is particularly relevant in nutritional assessments for patients with obesity, where conventional body weight measures may not serve the purpose effectively. The adjusted body weight formula adjusts the weight according to the healthy weight range while considering the patient's height, promoting a more suitable energy requirement that supports health and recovery without exacerbating obesity-related conditions.