Estimation of Resting Energy Expenditure in Obese Populations: A Comparison of the Equations

An abstract of a study by Kensinger et al determining if a significant difference existed between estimated REE of hospitalized overweight and obese individuals using the RB with an adjusted body weight (ABW) as compared to the Mifflin-St Jeor (MSJ) equation with actual body weight is presented. Results suggest that many clinical facilities may be significantly underestimating the energy needs of their patients if Harris Benedict (HB) Equation with ABW is used for overweight and obese patients. Furthermore, use of the HB with ABW may result in inaccurate diet counseling and subsequent non-compliance by the patient, who has been recommended an imprecise and insufficient nutrition prescription.