Total and regional body composition and energy expenditure in multiple symmetric lipomatosis

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate possible alterations in body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) in type 1 multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL). Subjects and methods: Thirteen men aged from 40 to 78 years affected by type I MSL were compared with 13 healthy control subjects. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined by DEXA using both standard analysis and specifically for the lipomatous region. REE was measured by indirect catorimetry. Results: FM was higher in MSL subjects at proximal arm level, but significantly tower at distal leg level than in controls (left 1.63 +/- 0.55 vs. 2.26 +/- 0.49 kg, P < 0.05; right 1.63 +/- 0.53 vs. 2.40 +/- 0.54 kg, P < 0.01). Arm FFM was similar in the two groups, white distal leg FFM was significantly tower in MSL cases (left: 7.8 +/- 1.3 vs. 8.7 +/- 0.8 kg, P < 0.05; right: 8.0 +/- 1.5 vs. 9.2 +/- 0.9 kg, P < 0.05). FFM strongly correlated with REE (r : 0.86; P < 0.001). REE, expressed as an absolute value and adjusted for FFM (1830 +/- 215 vs. 1675 +/- 120 kcal, P < 0.05) was higher in MSL patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, MSL patients had a marked FFM and FM atrophy in the lower segments of the legs and an altered energy expenditure (hypermetabolism). (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.