Predicting energy expenditure in extremely obese women

Background: The most common clinical method for resting energy expenditure (REE) assessment is prediction equations. The purpose of this study was to elucidate which prediction equation is most accurate for REE assessment in extremely obese women. Methods: Fourteen extremely obese women (mean ± SD body mass index: 49.8 ± 6.2 kg/m²; age: 49 ± 10 years) were measured for height and weight and REE via indirect calorimetry (IC) by a metabolic cart system. Predicted REE was evaluated by several equations, including Harris-Benedict with actual body weight, Harris-Benedict with several adjustments to body weight, Cunningham, Mifflin-St Jeor, Owen, World Health Organization (WHO), and Bernstein equations. Accuracy was determined by mean difference data (IC REE - equation REE; Student's paired t-test), correlation coefficients, and agreement between methods by Bland-Altman plots. Accuracy was also evaluated on an individual basis, defined by the percentage of individuals within ±10% of IC REE. Results: The Mifflin-St Jeor, Harris-Benedict with actual body weight, and the WHO equations were the most accurate in terms of mean predicted REE. The mean predicted REE values by all other equations were different from the IC REE values (p < .1). According to the individual data, the Mifflin-St Jeor was most accurate (14% outside ±10% IC REE). The Harris-Benedict with actual body weight and WHO equations were less accurate on individual terms, with 29% and 42% of the predicted REE values, respectively, falling outside ±10% of IC REE. Conclusions: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation was most accurate method for REE assessment in extremely obese women.