Body oxygen consumption and pulmonary ventilation in obese subjects

Abstract
Postabsorptive body oxygen consumption (Vo2) and pulmonary minute ventilation (Ve) were measured 164 times in 109 very obese subjects at rest. A statistically significant relationship was found between Vo2 and total body weight. The correlation coefficients for the relationships between Ve and total body weight and Ve and body surface area were less significant. The mean calculated basal metabolic rate was within normal limits. The mean values for Vo2 in the obese subjects were considerably higher than those predicted at ideal weight, while the mean values for oxygen consumption per kilogram body weight were lower than those reported in normal subjects. The mean percentage increase in oxygen consumption per kilogram excess weight (ΔVo2/Δ kg) approached the value for percentage of cell mass in excess weight, suggesting that ΔVo2/Δ kg may be a function of the increment in cell mass with obesity. Similarly, since basal metabolic rate remained unchanged, proportionate increments in body surface area and cell mass appeared to occur with the development of obesity. obesity tissue, oxygen consumption Submitted on April 3, 1964

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