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) + 143.51. 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.