Resting energy expenditure in the obese: a cross-validation and comparison of prediction equations.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the accuracy and precision of 12 equations or tables for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese persons.


METHODS
Observational (correlational) study.


METHODS
Obesity Research Center, St Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-six (73 women, 53 men) healthy, obese subjects recruited through the Obesity Research Center's Weight Control Unit.


METHODS
RMR by indirect calorimetry. Weight and height were measured to the nearest 0.1 kg and to the nearest 1 cm.


METHODS
Bivariate regression of predicted RMR on measured RMR; paired t tests for the difference between means of predicted RMR and measured RMR.


RESULTS
Of the 12 prediction equations, 6 had intercepts or slopes that were significantly different from 0 and 1, respectively. With two exceptions, the equations accounted for between 56% and 63% of the variance in measured RMR. The Robertson and Reid (1952) equation and the Fleisch (1951) equation performed best with our obese sample.


CONCLUSIONS
The Robertson and Reid (1952) and the Fleisch (1951) equations are recommended for clinical use with obese patients.
Heshka
S
S
Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY.
Feld
K
K
Yang
M U
MU
Allison
D B
DB
Heymsfield
S B
SB
D000328:Adult; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D012044:Regression Analysis