title: Accuracy of four resting metabolic rate prediction equations: effects of sex, body mass index, age, and race/ethnicity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared the accuracy of four commonly used RMR prediction equations to measured RMR obtained from the MedGem(®) metabolic analyzer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Height, weight and RMR were measured in 362 healthy individuals [51% female; body mass index (BMI): 17.6-50.6 kg m(-2); ages: 18-60 years; 17.4% non-white]. Following a 4h fast, participants rested in the supine position after which RMR was measured. RMR was estimated using four commonly used prediction equations: Harris-Benedict, Mifflin-St. Jeor, Owen, and WHO/FAO/UNU. Accuracy was determined by calculating the percentage of predicted RMR values that were within ± 10% of measured RMR values. Main effects of sex, BMI, age, and race/ethnicity were assessed using repeated measures ANCOVAs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For all participants combined, the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin, and WHO/FAU/UNU equations similarly predicted RMR values within ± 10% of measured RMR values (57.5, 56.4, and 55.2% of the sample, respectively). When participant data were stratified by sex, BMI, age, and race/ethnicity, the accuracy of each regression equation varied dramatically. The Harris-Benedict equation over-predicted RMR in 18-29 year olds. The Owen equation under-predicted RMR in both sexes, all three BMI categories, 18-49 year olds and White participants. The Mifflin under-predicted RMR in both sexes, normal weight individuals, 40-60 year olds, and non-Hispanic White participants. The WHO/FAO/UNU over-predicted RMR in males, overweight participants, and 50-60 year olds.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When examining the entire sample, the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin, and WHO/FAU/UNU equations yielded similar levels of agreement with the MedGem(®) measured RMR. However, clinical judgment and caution should be used when applying these prediction equations to special populations or small groups.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, United States.
authors: Rebecca E
authors: RE
authors: Hasson
authors: Cheryl A
authors: CA
authors: Howe
authors: Bryce L
authors: BL
authors: Jones
authors: Patty S
authors: PS
authors: Freedson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult