Employing RMR technology in a 90-day weight control program.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a weight management program using indirect calorimetry to set energy goals.


METHODS
54 overweight, active duty adult employees of the US Air Force (age 18-46 years, BMI 25.2-35.6 kg/m(2)) participated in this quasi-experimental control design study. All participants were enrolled in a four-session US Air Force 'Sensible Weigh' group weight control program. Treatment participants received a personalized nutrition energy goal message developed using measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) from a hand-held indirect calorimeter (MedGem). Usual care participants received a nutritional message using a standard care equation (25 kcal/day x body weight) to set energy intake goals.


RESULTS
Treatment participants lost significantly more weight than usual care participants (p < or = 0.05). Difference in weight loss between the treatment and usual care group were -4.3 kg +/- 3.3 vs. -1.8 kg +/- 3.2, respectively. There were no significant differences in reported food intake or energy expenditure between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of indirect calorimetry to assess RMR and set energy intake goals positively influences weight loss success in overweight Air Force personnel.
McDoniel
Scott O
SO
Harold Abel School of Psychology, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, USA. scottmcdoniel@comcast.net
Nelson
Heather A
HA
Thomson
Cynthia A
CA
D050154:Adiposity; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D012146:Rest; D015431:Weight Loss