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. J Am Diet Assoc. 1993; 93: 1031–1036.