Cross-Validation of Recent and Longstanding Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations.

The limited accuracy of currently in use predictive equations for Resting Metabolic rate (RMR) was assessed in a new study on the FASEB Journal.

The objective of the present study was to test the validity of established (Harris-Benedict, WHO, Mifflin-St. Jeor) and contemporary (3 meta equations of Sabounchi and colleagues, 1 equation of Nelson and colleagues, 1 by Wang and colleagues) RMR prediction equations in healthy adults.

The main outcome of comparing measurements (with indirect calorimetry) and estimation (with predictive equations) showed that mean RMR predictions from all other equations significantly differed from indirect calorimetry. In conclusion, the traditional Harris-Benedict and WHO equations were the closer to indirect calorimetry measurements. However, even these equations did not perform well at the individual level. As FFM increased, the prediction equations further underestimated RMR.

The article details are the following:

- Title: "Cross-Validation of Recent and Longstanding Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations"
- Authors: Flack KD, Siders WA, Johnson L, Roemmich JN - USDA-ARS, Grand Forks, ND
- Published in: J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016 Apr 30

The full study can be purchased at the following link: click here