Resting energy expenditure in the obese: A cross-validation and comparison of prediction equations

OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy and precision of 12 equations or tables for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese persons. DESIGN: Observational (correlational) study. SETTING: Obesity Research Center, St Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY. SUBJECTS/SAMPLES: One hundred twenty-six (73 women, 53 men) healthy, obese subjects recruited through the Obesity Research Center's Weight Control Unit. MEASURES: RMR by indirect calorimetry. Weight and height were measured to the nearest 0.1 kg and to the nearest 1 cm. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Bivariate regression of predicted RMR on measured RMR; paired t tests for the difference between means of predicted RMR and measured RMR. RESULTS: Of the 12 prediction equations, 6 had intercepts or slopes that were significantly different from 0 and 1, respectively. With two exceptions, the equations accounted for between 56% and 63% of the variance in measured RMR. The Robertson and Reid (1952) equation and the Fleisch (1951) equation performed best with our obese sample. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: The Robertson and Reid (1952) and the Fleisch (1951) equations are recommended for clinical use with obese patients.