Predicting Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Puerto Rican Adults

Equations to predict resting energy expenditure (REE) can be influenced by cultural and climatic factors. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the validity of the Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations to predict REE in 48 healthy Puerto Rican adults (23 men, 25 women; aged 21 to 60 years, tested between January and March 2007) using indirect calorimetry as the criterion method for comparison. Weight, height, and skinfold thickness were measured. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences between the REE measured and predicted with the two equations, and independent t tests were used to detect differences between men and women. Linear and multiple regressions were conducted to determine relationships between the measured and predicted REE and to evaluate factors influencing REE. The REE predicted with Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor were not statistically different from the REE measured with indirect calorimetry (mean±standard deviation: 1,555±268, 1,500±285, and 1,633±299 kcal/day, respectively; P=0.08). There was a strong correlation between the REE measured and predicted with Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor (r=0.83, 0.87, respectively; P=0.0001). Mean REE was higher in men compared to women, and fat-free mass was the most influencing factor on REE. The Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor are both valid equations for the prediction of REE in healthy Puerto Rican adults living in a tropical climate such as Puerto Rico. Both equations are appropriate for dietetics practitioners to use in assessing energy requirements in this population.