Predicting basal metabolic rate in the obese is difficult.
OBJECTIVE
To reassess the validity of the Schofield equations for predicting basal metabolic rate (BMR) in the obese.


METHODS
The data collection compiled from many studies by Schofield in 1985.


METHODS
Nonparametric curve fitting and comparison of groups.


RESULTS
BMR increases more slowly at heavier weights in men (above about 75 kg) and women (above about 65 kg), and to ignore this is to predict overestimates of BMR. Data obtained from studies of different populations show substantial differences, which are influential when data are combined.


CONCLUSIONS
The Schofield equations are unsuitable for obese populations. Given that current Western populations exhibit prevalences of obesity many times greater than those in the Schofield database, this indicates the need for further study of suitable predictors for these individuals.
Horgan
G W
GW
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen, UK. g.horgan@bioss.ac.uk
Stubbs
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric