Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the accuracy of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate (RMR) in Korean college students. Subjects were 60 healthy Korean college students (30 males, 30 females) aged 18-25 years. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. Predicted RMRs were calculated using the Harris-Benedict, Schofield (W)/(WH), FAO/ WHO/UNU(W)/(WH), Owen, Mifflin, Cunningham, Liu, IMNA and Henry (W)/(WH) equations. The accuracy of the equations was evaluated on basis of accurate prediction (the percentage of subjects whose RMR was predicted within90% to 110% of the RMR measured), mean difference, RMSPE, mean % difference, limits of agreement of Bland- Altman method between predicted and measured RMR. Measured RMR of male and female students were 1833.4 +/- 307.4 kcal/day and 1454.3 +/- 208.0 kcal/day, respectively. All predictive equations underestimated measured RMR. Of the predictive equations tested, the Harris-Benedict equation (mean difference: -80.4 kcal/day, RMSPE: 236 kcal/day, mean % difference: -3.1%) was the most accurate and precise, but accurate prediction of the equation was only 42%. Thus, this study suggests that the ethnicity-specific predictive equation from Korean people should be developed to improve the accuracy of predicted RMR for Koreans.

• Keywords: resting metabolic rate; predictive equations; college students; indirect calorimetry