A practical equation to predict resting metabolic rate in older females.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a practical and accurate age-specific equation for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in older women and, thereafter, to cross-validate existing equations for predicting RMR in older females.


METHODS
Cross-sectional validation study.


METHODS
General Clinical Research Center.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 75 healthy older women (age 50-81) free of significant cardiovascular or any other non-cardiac disease that may affect cardiovascular function or metabolic rate.


METHODS
All 75 volunteers were characterized for resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, anthropometrics, physical activity, and energy intake.


RESULTS
A practical equation for predicting RMR in older women using easily measured variables was: [RMR (kcal/d) = 7.8 (weight,kg) + 4.7 (standing height, cm) -39.5 (menopausal status; 1-3) + 143.5]. These variables accounted for 59% (R2) of the variation in RMR and predicted RMR within +/- 66 kcal/d. When five previously published equations were applied to our sample of older women to predict RMR, individual predicted values deviated by -31% to 20% from the measured value.


CONCLUSIONS
We offer a practical equation to predict RMR in healthy older women based on a measure of body weight, standing height, and menopausal status.
Arciero
P J
PJ
Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405.
Goran
M I
MI
Gardner
A M
AM
Ades
P A
PA
Tyzbir
R S
RS
Poehlman
E T
ET
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D014707:Vermont