Revised Harris-Benedict Equation: New Human Resting Metabolic Rate Equation

This paper contains a revision of the Harris-Benedict equations through the development and validation of new equations for the estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in normal, overweight, and obese adult subjects, taking into account the same anthropometric parameters. A total of 722 adult Caucasian subjects were enrolled in this analysis. After taking a detailed medical history, the study enrolled non-hospitalized subjects with medically and nutritionally controlled diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disease, excluding subjects with active infections and pregnant or lactating women. Measurement of somatometric characteristics and indirect calorimetry were performed. The values obtained from RMR measurement were compared with the values of the new equations and the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, FAO/WHO/UNU, and Owen equations. New predictive RMR equations were developed using age, body weight, height, and sex parameters. RMR males: (9.65 x weight in kg) + (573 x height in m) - (5.08 x age in years) + 260; RMR females: (7.38 x weight in kg) + (607 x height in m) - (2.31 x age in years) + 43; RMR males: (4.38 x weight in pounds) + (14.55 x height in inches) - (5.08 x age in years) + 260; RMR females: (3.35 x weight in pounds) + (15.42 x height in inches) - (2.31 x age in years) + 43. The accuracy of the new equations was tested in the test group in both groups, in accordance with the resting metabolic rate measurements. The new equations showed more accurate results than the other equations, with the equation for men (R-squared: 0.95) showing better prediction than the equation for women (R-squared: 0.86). The new equations showed good accuracy at both group and individual levels, and better reliability compared to other equations using the same anthropometric variables as predictors of RMR. The new equations were created under modern obesogenic conditions, and do not exclude individuals with regulated (dietary or pharmacological) Westernized diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease).

Automated summary

This paper revises the Harris-Benedict equations by developing and validating new equations for estimating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in adult subjects with different body types. The study includes 722 Caucasian subjects, excluding pregnant or lactating women and those with active infections or uncontrolled diseases. The new equations, which consider age, body weight, height, and sex, show more accurate results compared to other equations commonly used for predicting RMR.