Validity of some prediction equations to assess resting energy expenditure (REE) in 29 elderly obese subjects (>60 years)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent estimates in US have shown that more than a third of 65 years old subjects are obese. The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of six prediction equations to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in elderly obese subjects (age >60 years). METHODS: Twenty-nine obese Caucasian male (n=8) and female (n=21) subjects (age range: 60-77 years) attended the Outpatient Clinic of the Neuroscience Department of Naples "Federico II" University Medical School (Italy), Section of Aging and Nutrition from January 2005 to January 2006. Weight, height, BMI and body composition (bioimpedance) were measured. REE was measured using a ventilated-hood indirect calorimetry and compared to six prediction equations (Harris-Benedict, Fredrix, Mifflin, Owen, WHO, Livingston). RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 65.9+/-4.8 years and 36.8+/-5.3 kg/m2, respectively. The measured REE was 1658+/-289 kcal/day. The Harris-Benedict', Owen' and Livingston's equations performed less well than the other equations and they showed a tendency towards underestimation. The equation with the best REE prediction was the Fredrix's one (DeltaREE=-19.4kcal/day) with 66% of REE predictions lying within 10% of measured REE. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the utilization of the Fredrix's equation to calculate REE in obese elderly subjects.