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. CONCLUSION: The use of indirect calorimetry to assess RMR and set energy intake goals positively influences weight loss success in overweight Air Force personnel.