Abstract
Numerous predictive equations have evolved for the estimation of resting energy expenditure (REE) since it is not generally practical or feasible to use indirect calorimetry in practice settings. Recently, the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (MSJE), derived from a population of 498 healthy subjects and published in 1990, was recommended as the standard for calculating REE by the Application of Indirect Calorimetry in ADA Evidence-Based Guides for Practice Expert Consensus Panel of the American Dietetic Association. Although no equation can replace the accuracy of a personalized indirect calorimetry measurement, this equation reportedly explained a substantial amount of the variation of the measured REE (R2 = 0.71) and provided the most accurate estimate (78% within +/-10% limit) of actual REE in the largest percentage of nonobese and obese in a defined test population. Importantly, the MSJE was derived on a diverse sample of healthy adults (N = 498), including females (n = 247) and males (n = 251), subjects aged 19 to 78 (45 +/- 14) years, and nonobese (n = 264) and obese (n = 234) individuals. This article presents 2 charts by gender from which an estimated REE can be easily derived from known height (inches) and weight (pounds) with an individual adjustment of -5 kcal/year of age. The charts are limited to the source sample from which the data were derived since the estimated REE for individuals falling within these parameters will be more accurate. Extrapolated REEs beyond this population are available and may be useful, but will require further study.