The American journal of clinical nutrition
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To determine the effect of dietary modification on energy utilization during severely restrictive hypocaloric feeding, we measured body composition, energy deficit, and nitrogen metabolism in 13 obese women housed in a metabolic ward consuming a 2.1-MJ diet for 21 d with the three-carbon compounds dihydroxyacetone and pyruvate (DHAP), partially, isocalorically substituted for glucose. Body composition and amino acid (leucine) oxidation and turnover were determined before and after weight loss. ⋯ Nitrogen balance (urine and stool) and leucine metabolism were similar in both groups. We conclude that partial substitution of DHAP for six-carbon compounds of a 2.1-MJ diet will increase weight and fat loss.