Evaluating the predictive factors of resting energy expenditure and validating predictive equations for Chinese obese children.

BACKGROUND

To study the predictive factors of resting energy expenditure (REE) and evaluate the accuracy of predicted equations with indirect calorimeter (IC) in Chinese school-age children, particularly for the obese population.

METHODS

Recruited children were from the department of child healthcare in Nanjing children's hospital during July 2014-September 2015. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Measured REE was assessed by IC. Predicted REE was estimated using ten published equations.

RESULTS

248 children aged 7-13 years were recruited, including 148 obese [body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS) = 2.48 ± 0.91] and 100 non-obese (BMISDS = - 0.96 ± 1.08). The unit mass of REE (REE/kg) in obese group (29.06 ± 5.74) was lower than that in non-obese group (37.51 ± 6.56). The stepwise regression showed that age, BMISDS and fat-free mass (FFM) had a major impact on REE/kg as the regression equation: Y = 54.41 - 1.36 × X - 2.25 × X - 0.16 × X (Y REE/kg, X age, X BMISDS, X FFM; R = 0.633, R = 0.401, P < 0.01). The accuracy of predicted REE in obese subjects was 62.16% by the new predictive equations.

CONCLUSIONS

The REE/kg in obese children was lower and closely correlated with age, BMISDS and FFM. It is necessary to validate the new predictive equation in a larger sample to estimate energy requirements, particularly for children with obesity.