Predictive Equation to Estimate Resting Metabolic Rate in Older Chilean Women

Abstract

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) depends on body fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), whereas abdominal fat distribution is an aspect that has yet to be adequately studied. The objective of the present study was to analyze the influence of waist circumference (WC) in predicting RMR and propose a specific estimation equation for older Chilean women. This is an analytical cross-sectional study with a sample of 45 women between the ages of 60 and 85 years. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and WC were evaluated. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) and %FM using the Siri equation. Adequacy (90% to 110%), overestimation (>110%), and underestimation (<90%) of the FAO/WHO/UNU, Harris–Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, and Carrasco equations, as well as those of the proposed equation, were evaluated in relation to RMR as measured by IC. Normal distribution was determined according to the Shapiro–Wilk test. The relationship of body composition and WC with RMR IC was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. The RMR IC was 1083.6 ± 171.9 kcal/day, which was significantly and positively correlated with FFM, body weight, WC, and FM and inversely correlated with age (p < 0.001). Among the investigated equations, our proposed equation showed the best adequacy and lowest overestimation. The predictive formulae that consider WC improve RMR prediction, thus preventing overestimation in older women.

Predictive Equations Overestimate Resting Metabolic Rate in Young Chilean Women with Excess Body Fat

“…Adequacy was understood to mean that the percentage difference between the estimated RMR and the RMR IC was within ±10%; that is, the result was adequate between 90% and 110%, and showed underestimation when it was <90% and overestimation when it was >110% [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Assessment of estimated and measured resting metabolic rates in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…In a study involving females aged 65–80 years, Sintjago et al reported that waist circumference was a significant predictor of abdominal fat distribution and RMR and that age was negatively associated with RMR [ 33 ]. Mifflin et al also reported that age was inversely associated with RMR [ 5 ].…”