Our body responds to stress by activating the Central Nervous System  and the hormone system in order to maintain homeostasis.  The maginitude and the duration of stress determines the ability of the body to respond.  Whether the stress is accidental (Burns, Accident etc) or necessary (Surgery), the body’s metabolic rate raises significantly thus becoming hypermetabolic.  As the body responds to stress, there is increased breakdown of Carbohydrates, proteins and fats in order to meet the increased metabolic needs.

During moderate stress (Surgery, Cancer, Infection etc), the protein requirement increases from 0.8gm/kg to 1-1.5g/kg body wt.  In Severe stress such as Burns, the requirement goes up considerably to 2gm/kg body weight, depending on the extent of burns.

Thus, stress significantly affects nutritional status.  Impaired nutritional status first affects the immune system and its ability to protect the body.  Therefore, it is important to provide adequate nutrition support during metabolic stress.