Predictive equations overestimate the resting metabolic rate in postmenopausal women

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