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Predictive equations overestimate the resting metabolic rate in postmenopausal women

The journal of nutrition, health & aging volume 17, pages 211–214 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

The resting energetic dispenses on postmenopausal stage should be well known in order to elaborate obesity prevention programs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured by indirect calorimetry (RMRmeasured) with predictive equations (RMRestimated) and verify which preexisting equation is more indicated for this population, in inactive, postmenopausal women.

Design

43 postmenopausal women volunteered for the present study.

Measurements

RMRestimated value was achieved by indirect calorimetry. The predictive equations used were: Harris-Benedict equation (HB), Henry e Ree (HR), Mifflin-St Jeor equation (MSJ), World Health Organization equation (WHO) and Female Brazilian Population (FBP). Body composition was obtained through skinfolds method.

Results

All equations showed significant difference values for kcal/day (p<0.00001) (HB 1313.07±73.46; HR 1310.95±81.41; MSJ 1207.93±93.17; WHO 1375.73±61.01 and FBP 1250.05±73.54 kcal/day) in relation to RMRestimated (1063.79±157.82). The WHO equation was the one which most overestimated the RMR values with a difference of more than 300kcal/day.

Conclusion

None of the equations to approach, in this study showed precision in the estimative of RMR, all prediction equations overestimated RMR values in Brazilians’ postmenopausal women, although the MSJ predictive equation showed the greater approximation of RMRmeasured for this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Exercise Physiology Laboratory (FISEX), School of Physical Education, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil

    V. Bonganha, C. A. Libardi, G. V. De Souza, M. S. Conceiçaõ, M. P. T. Chacon-Mikahil & V. A. Madruga

  2. Post-graduation Program in Physical Education of University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil

    V. Bonganha, C. A. Libardi, G. V. De Souza & M. S. Conceiçaõ

  3. School of Physical Education. Center of Health Sciences (CCS), State University of the North of Paraná (UENP), Londrina, Brazil

    C. F. Santos

  4. Doctor of Sciences at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil

    M. P. T. Chacon-Mikahil & V. A. Madruga

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  1. V. Bonganha
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  2. C. A. Libardi
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  4. G. V. De Souza
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  6. M. P. T. Chacon-Mikahil
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Bonganha, V., Libardi, C.A., Santos, C.F. et al. Predictive equations overestimate the resting metabolic rate in postmenopausal women. J Nutr Health Aging 17, 211–214 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-012-0395-3

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Key words

  • Aging
  • menopause
  • body composition
  • adiposity
  • and energy metabolism