Underestimation of resting metabolic rate using equations compared to indirect calorimetry in normal-weight subjects: Consideration of resting metabolic rate as a function of body composition

Summary

Background & aims

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) can either be estimated using specific equations or measured with indirect calorimetry (iCal). The calculation formulas usually exclude body composition. In addition to age, height, weight, sex and disease, fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), in particular, influence energy expenditure. The aim of the present study was to compare the difference between calculated RMR using various predictive formulas reported in the literature and the values from measured iCal. Additionally, differing muscle mass and FM were considered in the calculations. Our hypothesis was that the accuracy of the calculation formulas depends on body constitution.

Methods

This monocentric exploratory pilot study with an observational cross-sectional design included 69 healthy normal-weight adults. Participants were assigned to groups depending on constitution (slender, athletic, full slender). RMR was estimated with a set of 12 clinically relevant predictive equations.

Results

The comparison of the calculated and measured values showed that the prevalent equations under-rather than overestimated the RMR. The equation from the World Health Organization (WHO) had the most accurate prediction range, from 90% to 110% of the RMR measured by iCal, followed by the Harris–Benedict formula and its modifications according to Roza–Shizgal and Mifflin. The agreement between predicting formulas and measured RMR improved in the group with higher fat mass.

Conclusions

Body composition has a significant influence on RMR, mainly through muscle mass. The equations used correlated well with iCal in only 40%–60% of the studied population. Measurements and calculations varied considerably for subjects with greater muscle mass, whereas they were more consistent for subjects with greater FM. Increased emphasis should be placed on the measurement of RMR using iCal.