Specialized nutrition support in the hospitalized obese patient.
The rising prevalence of obesity in the United States has resulted in concerns regarding the implementation of safe and effective specialized nutrition support in hospitalized obese patients. This review discusses complications associated with the provision of specialized nutrition support for obese patients and emphasizes the scientific basis for and against the provision of hypocaloric, high-protein parenteral and enteral nutrition support. Because there is a paucity of data concerning enteral nutrition support, some practical aspects of implementing hypocaloric high-protein enteral nutrition are also given.
Dickerson
Roland N
RN
Department of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 26 South Dunlap St., Room 210, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.