Comparation in calculating rest energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry, predictive equations and human body component analyzer

Objective To compare differences among measured rest energy expenditure (REE) by using indirect calorimetry (IC) and predictive REE from predictive equations (PE) and human body component analyzer (HBCA). Methods Young and middle-aged healthy volunteers of light manual labor were recruited in this study. REEs were obtained from IC, PE (WHO-Schofield and Harris-Benedict equations) and HBCA. Results A total of 30 healthy participants were included, of whom 12 were males (25-46 years old) with an average age of (37.8±7.4) and 18 were females (26-52 years old) with an average age of (40.4±7.8). Measured REE of the males was (1 848.33±155.01)kcal/d, which was significantly different from the predictive REE result of H-B equation (P=0.003) but not from results of WHO-Schofield equation and HBCA. In females, however, measured REE was (1 294.44±134.23)kcal /d, which was significantly different from predictive REE results of both equations and HBCA, P=0.002(WHO-Schofield), P=0.031(H-B) and P=0.002(HBCA). Results of measured REE were related to weight (P=0.033) and percentage of body fat (P=0.036) in males, and to height and muscle mass (P=0.003) in females. Conclusion In young and middle-aged healthy females of light manual labor, IC represented a more accurate way to measure REE, while in males WHO-Schofield equation and HBCA could be considered as alternative choices to predict REE. Key words: Rest energy expenditure; Indirect calorimetry; Energy predictive equations; Body composition