The device has an optical measuring unit (100) for generating oximetric or plethysmographic measuring signals. An evaluation unit (140) processes the measuring signals, and recording units (120, 130) recording local tissue parameters such as fat content, water content and circulation of the blood. The evaluation unit is designed so that one local metabolism parameter such as local oxygen consumption is determined from the signals of the optical measuring unit and the tissue parameters. An independent claim is also included for a method for determining and evaluating physiological parameters.
