Abstract
Background
The most commonly used prediction models for resting energy expenditure (REE) are Harris-Benedict (1919), Schofield (1985), Owen (1986), and Mifflin-St Jeor (1990), based on height, weight, age and gender, and Cunningham (1991), based on body composition.
Methods
Here, the five models are compared with reference data, consisting of individual REE measurements (nā=ā353) from 14 studies, covering a large range of participant characteristics.
Results
For white adults, prediction of REE with the Harris-Benedict model approached measured REE most closely, with estimates within 10% for more than 70% of the reference population.
Discussion
Sources of differences between measured and predicted REE include measurement validity and measurement conditions. Importantly, a 12- to 14-h overnight fast may not be sufficient to reach post-absorptive conditions and may explain differences between predicted REE and measured REE. In both cases complete fasting REE may not have been achieved, especially in participants with high energy intake.
Conclusion
In white adults, measured resting energy expenditure was closest to predicted values with the classic Harris-Benedict model. Suggestions for improving resting energy expenditure measurements, as well as prediction models, include the definition of post-absorptive conditions, representing complete fasting conditions with respiratory exchange ratio as indicator.
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Data availability
The data generated or analysed during this study can be found within the published article.
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Westerterp, K.R. Predicting resting energy expenditure: a critical appraisal. Eur J Clin Nutr 77, 953ā958 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01299-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01299-3