Anyways, I got some information on the test and I thought I'd pass it along to you:
They call it Metabolic Testing. Here's what their brochure says:
Quote:
Metabolic rate is an important factor in the determination of a suject's energy needs. It can be estimated by measuring resting energy expenditure (REE). REE is measured by indirect calorimetry or respirometry: measurement of the concetration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in exhaled gases. The volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide produced (VCO2) is proportional to the rate of metabolism. The ratio of VCO2 to VO2 is the respiratory quotient (RQ), which describes the type of fuel or substrate metabolized (protein, carbohydrates and fat).
REE data provides information to help with the following:
Metabolic Rate Interpretation:
Elevated protein turnover (greater than 15%) indicates utilization of body stores [this means your body is dissolving muscle and organs to get the protein it needs because it's not getting enough from your diet.]. This can occur with protein malnutrition, calorie malnutrition, or protein calorie malnutrition. It mimics an accelerated aging process and long term complications can include decreased muscle mass, bone loss, compromised immune system and organ tissue loss.
The tests are interpreted by a doctor and a nutritionist together. I was really relieved at the results of my test because they showed I was consuming enough protein to protect my muscles from being harvested. Metabolic rate is an important factor in the determination of a suject's energy needs. It can be estimated by measuring resting energy expenditure (REE). REE is measured by indirect calorimetry or respirometry: measurement of the concetration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in exhaled gases. The volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide produced (VCO2) is proportional to the rate of metabolism. The ratio of VCO2 to VO2 is the respiratory quotient (RQ), which describes the type of fuel or substrate metabolized (protein, carbohydrates and fat).
REE data provides information to help with the following:
- Proper feeding of a patient's need to ensure maintenance, repletion, or depletion of energy stores.
- Metabolic effects of disease, trauma, and eating disorders on a patient's energy requirements
- Intervention needed in nutritional management of disease, chemotherapy, stress, or injury.
Metabolic Rate Interpretation:
- Hypometabolism--The actual REE (AREE) is below the predicted REE (PREE). Levels at more than or equal to 10% below PREE are consistent with sleep, hypothyroidism, malnutrition or pharmacological intervention (e.g. depressants or muscle relaxants).
- Hypermetabolism--The actual AREE is above the PREE. Levels more than or equal to 10% above PREE are consistent with a non-resting state, elevated body temperature, infection, respiratory stress, pharmacological stimulants, trauma, or pain.
Elevated protein turnover (greater than 15%) indicates utilization of body stores [this means your body is dissolving muscle and organs to get the protein it needs because it's not getting enough from your diet.]. This can occur with protein malnutrition, calorie malnutrition, or protein calorie malnutrition. It mimics an accelerated aging process and long term complications can include decreased muscle mass, bone loss, compromised immune system and organ tissue loss.
I was amazed at what the tests can show to people who've done a lot of yo-yo dieting. It really does mess up your metabolism badly. I know some people who are having trouble losing weight on very low calorie diets in spite of tons of exercising and weight lifting...all because of years of yo-yo dieting. That's so sad!