A practical equation to predict resting metabolic rate in older females.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a practical and accurate age-specific equation for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in older women and, thereafter, to cross-validate existing equations for predicting RMR in older females.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional validation study.

SETTING

General Clinical Research Center.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 75 healthy older women (age 50-81) free of significant cardiovascular or any other non-cardiac disease that may affect cardiovascular function or metabolic rate.

MEASUREMENTS

All 75 volunteers were characterized for resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, anthropometrics, physical activity, and energy intake.

RESULTS

A practical equation for predicting RMR in older women using easily measured variables was: [RMR (kcal/d) = 7.8 (weight,kg) + 4.7 (standing height, cm) -39.5 (menopausal status; 1-3) + 143.5]. These variables accounted for 59% (R2) of the variation in RMR and predicted RMR within +/- 66 kcal/d. When five previously published equations were applied to our sample of older women to predict RMR, individual predicted values deviated by -31% to 20% from the measured value.

CONCLUSION

We offer a practical equation to predict RMR in healthy older women based on a measure of body weight, standing height, and menopausal status.