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.