Are the equations published in literature for predicting resting metabolic rate accurate for use in the elderly?
Lhrmann PM; Neuheuser Berthold M Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Giessen, Germany. PURPOSE: Equations published in literature for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in older individuals were derived from studies with small samples of this age group or extrapolated from data of younger adults. The aim of the present investigation was therefore to validate various predictive equations by comparing calculated RMR with measured RMR in a large group of elderly subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry after an overnight fast in 225 female (age 67.7 +/- 5.7 y, BMI 26.7 +/- 3.9 kg/m2) and 130 male (age 67.4 +/- 5.4 y, BMI 26.7 +/- 3.2 kg/m2) participants of the longitudinal study on nutrition and health status in an aging population of Giessen, Germany, who were at least 60 years old. RESULTS: In females and males RMR was on average underestimated by 3.3% and 7.5% with the Schofield equation based on body weight, by 2.4% and 4.5% with the Sc
