EFFECT OF INCREASED DIET ON BASAL METABOLISM IN NEW ORLEANS

Abstract

Basal metabolism of 6 subjects was studied with special reference to influence of an increased food intake as expressed by increased urinary N. Increasing the food intake causes a large fluctuation in the basal metabolism as expressed first by a marked decrease in the O2 consumption with a fairly constant value for the CO2 output. This occurs within 48 hrs. after the changed food intake has begun, but later the lowered O2 consumption returns to its former level with approximately normal R.Q. A subsequent increment results in the same phenomenon. Possible causes of this fluctuation are discussed.