ABSTRACT

The metabolic response to stress, starvation, and sepsis should be viewed as a complex series of neuroendocrine reflexes resulting in an integrated attempt by the organism to mobilize energy substrates, to preserve oxygen and substrate delivery, and to maintain essential body functions (1). These alterations involve changes in the distribution and use of water, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. As such, an understanding of normal body composition is essential to make discussion of the metabolic response meaningful.